Patents Represented by Attorney Scolnick
  • Patent number: 5684949
    Abstract: A method for securing a postage transaction in a postage meter having an accounting module and a printing module includes A) storing a plurality of data patterns in the accounting module; B) storing the plurality of data patterns in the printing module; C) utilizing one of the accounting module and the printing module to request that a specific one of the plurality of data patterns be sent from the other of the accounting module and the printing module to the one of the accounting module and the printing module; D) sending a return data pattern from the other of the accounting module and the printing module to the one of the accounting module and the printing module in response to the request of step C); E) determining if the return data pattern and the specific one of the plurality of data patterns are the same; and F) initiating printing by the printing module only when in step E) it is determined that the return data pattern and the specific one of the plurality of data patterns are the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventor: Edward J. Naclerio
  • Patent number: 5684069
    Abstract: An invisible ink has been discovered that utilizes a substituted phthalocyanine dye in combination with selected waxes and resins. The resulting ink is one that has use in thermal printing and is transparent or almost transparent in white light, but is responsive to infra-red light in the range of 720 to 1000 nm. The preferred waxes are polyethylene wax, natural paraffin wax and carnauba wax, and the preferred resin is ethyl vinyl acetate polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventor: Judith D. Auslander
  • Patent number: 5682429
    Abstract: Methods and systems for preparing mailpieces involve the creation of mailing lists which includes correct and incorrect recipient address information. The list is transmitted to a data center. Received from the data center is a mailing list including addressed hygiened recipient address information and a digital token for each mailpiece with encrypted data. The encrypted data is based on the corrected address information for mailpieces with correct address information on the transmitted mailing list and on hygiened recipient address information the mailpieces with incorrect recipient address information on the transmitted mailing list. The digital tokens for each mailpiece may also be based on the rating parameter information.Selection is provided for utilizing a given one of the incorrect recipient address information and the correct recipient address information is applied to an encrypter generating the digital tokens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Cordery, Steven J. Pauly, Leon A. Pintsov
  • Patent number: 5682517
    Abstract: A method of transferring update data from a microcomputer to a memory device having a transportable non-volatile memory median requiring that the transportable non-volatile memory median is divided into a plurality of sectors. Update data is to be written to data sectors of the transportable non-volatile memory median in accordance with a sector map. One of the sectors to be updated is the directory sector and another one of the sectors to be updated is the file access table sector. The microcomputer is programmed to reserve a specified number of sectors as a recovery area wherein some of the sectors of the recovery area are reserved for the sector map and other sectors of the recovery area are reserved for storage of the update data. The microcomputer identifies if a sector map resides in the recovery area. If no sector map resides in the sector map area of the recovery area, the microcomputer proceeds to identify which of the sectors are to be updated and generating a sector map accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. D'Andrea, Kevin D. Hunter
  • Patent number: 5681381
    Abstract: Aqueous fluorescent inks are disclosed that fulfill United Sites Postal Service requirements for franking and/or automation compatibility, while being able to be used in an ink jet printer. The inks of this invention may be read by current United States Postal Service equipment. The inks are red fluorescent and waterfast, having improved print quality. The formulations are based on water, cosolvent and penetrant solutions of fluorescent toners. The cosolvents are low vapor pressure, polar solvents, and glycol ethers as penetrants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Judith D. Auslander, Shunichi Higashiyama
  • Patent number: 5681035
    Abstract: Apparatus for inserting sheets of paper into an envelope. The apparatus includes: a first bursting module for separating a first web of paper into discrete sheets; a conveying device for conveying the discrete sheets from an upstream location to a downstream location along a feed path; a device for feeding a second web of paper having a plurality of longitudinally spaced lines of weakening oriented perpendicular to the feed path; a device for turning the second web of paper parallel to the feed path; a bursting device for bursting the second web into discrete sheets; a device for conveying the second web discrete sheets to the first web discrete sheets; a device for conveying the first web and the second web discrete sheets downstream along the feed path; and a device for inserting the first web and second web discrete sheets into an envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Edward M. Ifkovits, Eric J. Janatka, Karel J. Janatka, Rebecca J. Pritting
  • Patent number: 5682427
    Abstract: A postage metering system comprising: a postage meter including a first computer for controlling the postage meter, the postage meter including a first printer for printing first postage information; a non-secure second printer external to the postage meter for printing second postage information, a second computer external to the postage meter and connected for controlling the second printer, the second computer including first structure for transmitting to the first computer variable information including at least a portion of a mailing address associated with an item to be imprinted with the second postage information; the first computer including structure for encrypting at least a portion of the transmitted variable information, the first computer including second structure for transmitting to the second computer the encrypted information for printing by the second printer on said item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventor: Frank E. Seestrom
  • Patent number: 5680403
    Abstract: A postage meter mailing machine includes a multiplex serial data communication system for providing communication between the postage meter mailing machine and a plurality of internal and external devices. Each device can generate and receive serial messages at a respective device communication port. The mailing machine includes a controller, a UART controller module responsive to control signals from the controller, a message buffer in bus communication with the UART controller and a communication multiplexer. The communication multiplexer provides single channel communication with the UART controller module and selectively with one of a number of external communication ports. The communication multiplexer is responsive to control signals from the controller for establishing a communication path between the UART controller module and the selected one of communication ports over the single channel communication and sequentially alternating the communication path between each of the communication ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher S. Riello, Edilberto I. Salazar, Richard P. Schoonmaker
  • Patent number: 5680456
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing transaction evidencing devices, such as digital postage meters, includes the steps of generating a master key in a logical security domain of a Key Management System; installing the master key into a digital postage meter; verifying the installation of the master key; and registering the master key to a logical security sub-domain in the Key Management System. The step of generating the master key further includes the steps of generating a domain; generating at least one sub-domain; installing the domain in secure boxes of the Key Management System; generating a master key and test token within the domain; and recording the master key in the domain archive. The step of installing the master key further includes the steps of installing the master key into a digital meter; and associating the master key with a unique device identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Walter J. Baker, Feliks Bator, Robert A. Cordery, Frank M. D'Ippolito, Kevin D. Hunter, Kathryn V. Lawton, David K. Lee, Louis J. Loglisci, Steven J. Pauly, Leon A. Pintsov, Ian A. Siveyer
  • Patent number: 5675959
    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 device for holding the closing flap below the back panel; an opening horn for separating the back panel from the front panel, the opening horn being pivotable in a vertical plane; and a device for causing the horn to initially contact the closing flap and to pivot the horn into the envelope between the front and back panels, and to raise the horn inside the envelope, whereby the front and back panels are separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Hamma, Martyn R. House, David W. Hubbard, John R. Nobile
  • Patent number: 5674348
    Abstract: Modular apparatus is disclosed for moistening and sealing an envelope flap. The apparatus comprises a base, in which a moistener is disposed and in which part of a transporter for moving an envelope to and past the moistener is also disposed. A cover in which the remaining portion of the transporter is disposed is pivoted to the base so that the cover may be pivoted open to expose the envelope path and the parts of the transporter in the base and in the cover. A pair of sealing rollers, one mounted to the base and the other to the cover, are disposed in the same module as the moistener downstream from the moistener. Providing part of the transporter in the base and part in the cover, and pivotally mounting the cover to base enables one to quickly gain access to the envelope path simply by unlatching the cover and pivoting it away from the base. This enables an operator to quickly gain access to the envelope path to remove a jammed envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventor: Carlos L. DeFiguerido
  • Patent number: 5674314
    Abstract: Liquid inks are disclosed that fulfill United States Postal Service requirements for automation compatibility, while being able to be used in an ink jet printer. The inks of this invention may be read by current United States Postal Service equipment. The inks are waterfast, having improved print quality. The formulations are based on water cosolvent solutions of soluble fluorescent or non fluorescent toners to which toning dyes and non ionic surfactants are added.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Judith D. Auslander, Shunichi Higashiyama
  • Patent number: 5675650
    Abstract: A method for controlled acceptance mail payment and evidencing in accordance with the present invention includes creating a mail batch with a plurality of mailpieces each having encrypted indicia printed thereon. A mail documentation file is created containing the total weight of the mail batch, the total payment for the mail batch and mailer identification, all of which are digitally signed to facilitate a subsequent verification of the integrity of the data. The digital signature is included as part of the mail documentation file. The mail batch and mail documentation file are submitted to a carrier distribution system. The carrier processes the batch of mail and the mail documentation file as part of the carrier distribution process to determine the total weight of the batch of mail and verify the weight of the actual batch of mail in comparison to the total weight of the batch of mail as set forth in the mail documentation file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Cordery, Linda V. Gravell, Leon A. Pintsov, Monroe A. Weiant, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5668990
    Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for generating a coded address list. The method is initiated by inputting an address list to a data processing device which then reads each address record on the address list. As an address record is read, a set of rules is applied to the record to determine whether or not a corresponding bar code can be assigned. If a bar code can be assigned, then the data processing device writes the address record and its corresponding bar code to a first list. If, however, a corresponding bar code is not determined for an address record, then the unmatched address record is posted to a second list. The first list is output for printing, while the second list is saved to memory. With respect to the second list, the system operator can: manually correct an address record on the list; delete the address record; or, output the address record to a printer for non-discounted mailing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew P. Bajorinas, Gabriel E. Pettner
  • Patent number: 5667214
    Abstract: Apparatus for turning and aligning flat articles. The apparatus includes: a first conveyor for transporting flat articles horizontally from an upstream to a downstream position; a second conveyor oriented at an angle to the first conveyor, the second conveyor having an upstream and a downstream end, wherein the upstream end of the second conveyor is situated adjacent the downstream end of the first conveyor, and second conveyor is situated to receive the flat articles from the first conveyor; a pivoting device located on one side of the second conveyor for engaging a side of the flat articles; and a third conveyor having an upstream end located adjacent the downstream end of the second conveyor, the third conveyor having a flat deck, an angled roller extending just above the flat deck, a registration wall on one side of the flat deck, and a normal force sphere mounted above the angled roller, wherein the angled roller and the sphere drive the flat articles downstream and against the registration wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Eric A. Belec, Bryan L. Boggiano
  • Patent number: 5667249
    Abstract: An article of manufacture includes a substrate layer having an indicator of value thereon; an adhesive layer; and a switch attached to one of the substrate layer and the adhesive layer. The switch is activatable to produce a signal in the presence of a first magnetic field and deactivatable to prevent detection of the signal. The substrate may have a printed pattern and the indicator of value on one surface and the adhesive layer on the other surface, for example, as in a postage stamp. This article may be employed in a mail processing system where mailpieces are fed to a facer canceller where the stamp is deactivated to prevent reuse without pavement to the postal or other issuing authority.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Critelli
  • Patent number: 5666292
    Abstract: An interface apparatus is provided with a number of communication ports for providing a communication interface between a postage meter and a plurality of external devices, such as, a scale and a modem. A principal communications port connectable to the postage meter. A secure communication port is provided for receiving messages on a secure scale using encrypted protocol signals. The interface unit includes an additional number of unsecured ports for communication with unsecured devices such as a modem or an unsecured scale utilizing conventional protocol signals. The interface further includes a programmable microcontroller in bus communication with a random access memory, a non-volatile memory and a program memory, a first communication bus connecting the principal port to the microcontroller and a second communication bus connecting one or more of the second communication ports to the microcontroller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin D. Hunter, Perry A. Pierce
  • Patent number: 5664772
    Abstract: Apparatus for receiving sheets fed in a first direction and guiding and controlling the sheets through a right angle turn includes at least one right angle turn over module which includes a lower plate with an input belt assembly for receiving the first documents conveyed thereto in a first direction; an upper plate including a 45.degree. turn over section cantilevered above the lower plate, and a turning guide positioned adjacent to the turn over section. The upper plate includes a plurality of output rollers rotatably mounted in the top of the upper plate and oriented for moving sheets at a right angle direction to the first direction. The turning guide includes an upwardly curved edge that extends a fixed distance from the turn over section for guiding sheets around the turn over section. An output belt assembly is suspended above the upper plate for conveying sheets in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Auerbach, William J. Wright
  • Patent number: 5666421
    Abstract: A system for controlling the validity of printing of indicias on mailpieces from a potentially large number of users of postage meters includes apparatus disposed in each said postage meter for generating a code and for printing the code on each mailpiece. The code is an encrypted code representative of the postage meter apparatus printing the indicia and other information uniquely determinative of the legitimacy of postage on the mailpieces. The keys for the code generating apparatus are changed to change its code generation at predetermined time intervals in each of the meters. A security center includes apparatus for maintaining a security code database and for keeping track of the keys for generating security codes in correspondence with the changes in each generating apparatus and the information printed on the mailpiece by the postage meter apparatus for comparison with the code printed on the mailpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Jose Pastor, George M. Brookner, Robert A. Cordery, Hyung-Kun (Paul) Kim
  • Patent number: D385810
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Beckstrom, David W. Davis, John F. Davison, Jr., Robert L. Marvin, Jr., Paul W. Porter