Abstract: A mailing list is created including destination addresses for mailpieces to be submitted to a carrier service for delivery. A unique mailpiece identifier associated with mailpieces on the mailing list is generated by the carrier or other trusted third party. The unique mailpiece identifier is printed on the mailpiece with which it is associated. The mailpieces with the printed unique identifier are submitted to the carrier service. The carrier service obtains the printed unique identifier from the mailpiece. The obtained unique identifier from each said mailpiece is utilized to verify that data associated with the mailpiece has been processed by the carrier or trusted third party. When the unique number has been obtained from the mailpieces, the carrier service, if desired, may note this fact in the carrier records to prevent reuse of the unique identifier.

Abstract: In the field of transport paths used typically in postage meters, it is sometimes desired to prevent withdrawal of items in the opposite direction to forward travel along the transport path. The disclosure relates to a one way gate (10) for such a transport path including a transport surface (11). The gate includes a rotatable roller (17) disposed opposite the surface such that an item traveling forwardly along the transport path engages and rotates the roller (17); and a device preventing rotation of the roller (17) in a direction corresponding to withdrawal of an item (22) in a reverse direction along the transport path.

Abstract: The method for preventing monitoring of postage indicia data which is sent from a postage metering vault to a remotely located digital printer over a communication link between the meter vault and the digital printer. The meter is provided with an encryption engine for encrypting postage indicia data utilizing a encryption key. The digital printer includes a decryption engine for decrypting postage data received from said meter utilizing the same encryption key and then prints a postage indicia pursuant to the decrypted postage indicia data. The postage meter also includes a key manager for generating new encryption key pursuant to a token which is either randomly generated or generated pursuant to an algorithm by a similar encryption key manager located in the digital printer which token is also used to generate the decryption key for the decryption engine. As a result, the encryption keys are the same.

Abstract: A postage accounting system comprising: structure for accounting for postage; printing structure externally of the accounting structure, the printing structure including a printing module and computer structure for controlling the printing module, the printing module including printing apparatus and structure for sequentially feeding each item of a predetermined plurality thereof to the printing apparatus for printing thereon, the computer structure including structure programmed for sequentially transmitting variable information for each item to the accounting structure, the variable information including at least a portion of a mailing address for each item; the postage accounting structure including structure for connecting the accounting module in communication with the printing structure, the accounting structure including structure for sequentially encrypting the variable information received for each item, the accounting structure including a microprocessor, the microprocessor including structure progr

Abstract: A software architecture system is provided for real-time control of an inserting system having a central processor coupled to a plurality of distributed processors that are associated with physical modules of the inserting system, wherein the central processor is coupled to the distributed processors by at least one type of physical I/O channel. The system includes real-time control routines resident in the central processor, a plurality of virtual stations resident in the central processor, wherein each of the software stations corresponding to one of the physical modules of the inserting system. The system further includes at least one virtual I/O channel corresponding to each type of the physical I/O channel, the virtual I/O channel being resident in the central processor and operatively coupled to the physical I/O channel, and a message dispatcher resident in the central processor for dispatching messages from the virtual stations to the corresponding physical modules through the virtual I/O channel.

Abstract: A system and method for issuing and validating tickets. The system includes a data processing system for receiving ticket request information and generating ticket information; the ticket information including encrypted validating information, a local printing system which receives the ticket information and prints the encrypted validating information on a ticket in machine readable format, and a validating system for converting the encrypted validating information into a digital format, decrypting the validating information, testing the validating information to validate the ticket and, if the ticket is valid, downloading at least a portion of the ticket information for reconciliation of accounts; that is for reconciling ticket issuance, use, and payment.

Abstract: A method for sequencing the exiting of a cut tape segment from a tape roll feeding, cutting and ejecting apparatus of a mailing machine having a tape roll drive and cut tape segment ejection device and in which a cut tape segment from the tape roll is ejected in an opposite direction from the feeding direction of the feeding of tape of the tape roll drive as it feeds the tape for printing includes the steps of feeding the tape in the feeding direction for a first predetermined time period for extending a predetermined length of tape, further feeding the tape in the feeding direction to create a trail edge margin to assure that the tape is not cut shorter than a minimum length, printing on the tape; then feeding the tape in the opposite direction until one of a first and second conditions occurs, the first condition being the sensing of a leading edge of the tape by a sensor and the second condition being feeding the tape in the opposite direction beyond a second predetermined time period, then at times when t

Abstract: A display device has a reverse polarity LCD panel separated from a cavity by a light diffuser. A plurality of LEDs mounted in said cavity are interconnected to a common constant current source.

Abstract: An ink priming device for an ink jet printing apparatus is disclosed which includes a housing adapted to fit over the nozzle plate of the print head when the print head is in a non-printing position, the housing having a substantially air tight connection to the nozzle plate.

Abstract: A mailing machine includes a digital printer for printing a postage indicia on a mail piece. The mailing machine including a controller for controlling the operations of the mailing machine and a printer transport for transporting the digital printer to a cleaning station when the printer is not in use. A sensor is positioned at the cleaning station for sensing the presents of the printer and generating an output to the mailing machine controller in response. The mailing machine power supply includes a main transformer and a plurality of secondary transformer in parallel electrical communication over first and second electrical lines. A single-pole-double-throw switch has its first input and output stage interposed between the first electrical line between the main transformer and one of the second transformers.

Abstract: A super password is a one time use password that is issued to a user for the singular purpose of reinitializing the user password system for a meter. When the meter is manufactured, the meter and the Data Center share secret data such that they can execute a predefined and identical algorithm for secure communication. Through such secure communications, the Data Center can authenticate a metering system, and the metering system can accept a predefined command from the Data Center securely. Counters are used as data to encrypt. One counter is used for the one way communication from the meter to the data center and counts the number of times that the meter issues a one time authentication code. Another counter is used for the one way communication from the Data Center to the meter and counts the number of times that the Data Center issues a one time super password. The counters are used for two purposes: as data to be encrypted and to confirm the delivery of secure codes between the Data Center and the meter.

Abstract: An interlock mechanism is provided for a document handler having a pair of drawers for storing documents to prevent the simultaneous extension of more than one of the drawers. The drawer interlock apparatus comprises a frame and a longitudinal rail mounted to a side wall of each drawer. Each rail has a pair of substantially L-shaped stops and a locating notch positioned between the stops. A locking mechanism is pivotally mounted to the frame. The locking mechanism is slideably engaged with the rail of each drawer for preventing the simultaneous extension of the multiple drawers. Each drawer also has link mechanisms for adjusting drawer alignment to meet document registration requirements.

Abstract: A method and system for processing mail including imprinting on a mailpiece mailer identification information. Data is encrypted relative to the mailpiece with a private key associated with the mailer identification information. The private key also has an associated public key. The encrypted data is imprinted on the mailpiece and the mailpiece is placed in a mail delivery stream of a mail carrier. The mail is thereafter processed to determine from the mailer identification information the public key. The encrypted data is decrypted with the public key to authenticate the mailer and the mailers billing records are updated for mailer charges associated with the mailpiece. The addressee information for the mailpiece may be included as part of the encrypted data for mailpiece authentication. The billing record of the mailer may be encrypted with the mailer public key and transmitted to the mailer.

Abstract: The sheet feeder includes a tray having a pusher mechanism mounted at a rear portion and a feeder mechanism mounted at a forward portion. The pusher mechanism is driven through a spring wrap clutch which includes a ratchet which engages a pawl mounted on the feeder mechanism. When the feeder mechanism is in a first position the pawl is disengaged from the ratchet and the clutch is free to rotate and engage the pusher mechanism which advances the stack of sheets against the feeder mechanism, driving the feeder mechanism back to a second position where the pawl engages the ratchet, disengaging the spring wrap clutch and halting the pusher mechanism. As sheets are fed from the stack a spring urges the feeder mechanism back towards the first position, disengaging the ratchet and engaging the clutch and repeating the cycle. A spring maintains a substantially constant normal force between the feeder mechanism and the stack as the feeder mechanism moves between the first and second positions.

Abstract: In postage metering apparatus having printing structure, structure for selecting respective postage values to be printed, structure for requesting printing selected postage values, structure for accounting for each postage value requested to be printed, and structure for controlling operation of the printing structure, an improvement for preventing printing a postage value without accounting therefor, the improvement comprising: the requested postage values including respective zero postage values; the controlling structure including structure for counting each request for printing a zero postage value; and the controlling structure including structure for preventing operation of the printing structure in response to the counting structure counting a predetermined number of the zero postage values.

Abstract: A plurality of step time tables consisting of a sequence of step times defining intervals between steps and thus a velocity profile to be executed by a stepper motor are stored in a first memory. A step table defining a plurality of identical sequences of excitation pattern for driving a stepper motor is stored in a second table. Identical DMA channels output the step times to a timer and the plurality of exitation patterns to a buffer. The timer measures the duration of the step times and when each step time expires generates a trigger signal which initiates the transfer of the next step time and next excitation pattern through the respective DMA channels. The buffer includes a control register which selects one excitation pattern from the plurality of excitation patterns output from the step table to be output for control of a selected one of a plurality of motors connected to the buffer.

Abstract: The method for preventing monitoring of postage indicia data which is sent from a postage metering vault to a remotely located digital printer over a communication link between the meter vault and the digital printer. The meter is provided with an encryption engine for encrypting postage indicia data utilizing a encryption key. The digital printer includes a decryption engine for decrypting postage data received from said meter utilizing the same encryption key and then prints a postage indicia pursuant to the decrypted postage indicia data. The postage meter also includes a key manager for generating a new encryption key pursuant to a token which is either randomly generated or generated pursuant to an algorithm by a similar encryption key manager located in the digital printer which token is also used to generate the decryption key for the decryption engine. As a result, the encryption keys are the same.

Abstract: Apparatus for opening a container including at least one moveable panel. The apparatus comprising a frame, vacuum source means, means for gripping the container and a solenoid fixably mounted to the frame. The solenoid including a moveable plunger having a first end and an internal passage having an opening at the first end and being in communication with the vacuum source means. The gripping means mounted to the plunger first end. Also, the apparatus additionally including control means for actuating the plunger between a home position where the gripping means is spaced apart from the moveable panel and an operative position where the gripping means contacts the moveable panel. The vacuum source means for applying negative pressure to the internal passage so that the moveable panel adheres to the gripping means as the plunger moves from the operative position to the home position separating the moveable panel from the container and opening the container.

Abstract: A pressure roller assembly for use in a transport system. The transport system including a drive system in operative engagement with the pressure roller assembly for feeding an article in a path of travel. The pressure roller assembly including: a shaft; a roller having an inner diameter; a pair of first hubs each having a bearing surface and fixably mounted to the shaft in spaced apart relationship so that the first hub bearing surfaces are facing each other; a pair of second hubs each including an through hole having a diameter greater that the shaft diameter and a bearing surface corresponding to the first hub bearing surfaces, respectively, the second hubs spaced along the shaft between the first hubs and slideably mounted to and in bearing engagement with the roller inner diameter so that the second hub bearing surfaces are facing the first hub bearing surfaces, respectively; and means for biasing the second hub bearing surfaces into bearing engagement with the first hub bearing surfaces, respectively.

Abstract: The invention is a method whereby soft font data and graphic images which are stored on a host computer in a variety of formats are converted to a bitmap graphics format comprised of a group of printer commands designed for bitmap graphics printing and then downloaded and printed using a single set of printer control commands.