Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating, and storing for later retrieval, selected voice messages in response to selected verbal input trigger phrases. The voice signals including predetermined trigger phrases are transmitted from an input device such as a multiline telephone to a voice recognition system. The voice recognition system associates the trigger phrases with predetermined blocks of text message and in response to a sequence of trigger phrases, creates a report. The text is then output to a voice synthesizer system for the creation of synthetic voice signals corresponding to the full text of the report and the synthetic voice signals are output to a voice storage and forward system for later retrieval. The system also provides a printed copy of the full text of the report.

Abstract: A machine control and accounting arrangement for controlling operation of a machine includes a secure housing, an electronic control system within the housing, and first and second interfaces coupled to the control system to permit communication between the control system and devices external of said housing. The first interface comprising an arrangement for applying a count signal to the control system. The second interface comprising an arrangement for applying encrypted control signals to the control system.

Abstract: A postal gateway system wherein information is conveyed through a gateway among a mailer, a post office, a bank, and a postal agent. With this gateway system, information can be sent virtually simultaneously to the various recipients so that each is current with regard to the mailing operations taking place and accounting therefor even though the format of data of the individual facilities are different.

Abstract: A postage meter having a movable shutter covering the printing die of the meter and mechanisms associated either with the postage meter or a meter base for locking the shutter and moving it, are disclosed. In one embodiment a keyswitch is provided which control locking and unlocking of the shutter and its movement. The meter base locks the postage meter therein with unlocking being controlled by the keyswitch.

Abstract: A self-mailing form suitable for use with laser printers and the like. The form is made from a single sheet of paper stock and comprises a rectangular upper portion and a rectangular lower portion joined by a connecting portion. The lower portion is printed with message information and the upper portion is printed with address information and the like. The form is then folded once about the upper edge of the connecting portion so that the obverse sides of the upper and lower portions are adjacent and then again so that the upper edge of the upper portion is brought to the lower edge of the connecting portion, so that the upper portion forms an envelope around the lower portion. Adhesive is applied around the edges of the upper portion to seal the resulting envelope. Perforation lines are provided transversely across the form so that after folding a tear-off strip is formed which includes the connecting portion.

Abstract: Apparatus for printing, folding, and sealing a one-piece form sheet to prepare a self-mailer. The apparatus includes a substantially conventional printer, which may be a laser printer, suitable for use with a personal computer. The printer is mounted above and outputs printed form sheets downwards to a folder sealer for folding and sealing to prepare a self-mailer. The folder sealer includes a folder having a central and peripheral rollers and curved, one-sided, open buckle chutes for folding the form sheet and delivering it to a transport which extends under the printer. The folder sealer also includes moistening apparatus for moistening areas on the form sheet to which a remoistenable glue has been applied.

Abstract: A gear arrangement includes a first gear wheel 10 having a section 12 with missing teeth. A second gear wheel 14 is arranged to mesh with the first gear wheel 10. The first tooth 16 on the first gear wheel 10 to engage with the second gear wheel 14 (following the missing teeth section 12) is resiliently movable inwardly within a radial slot 18 to withdraw when engaging an opposing tooth 22. A spring 20 urges the tooth 16 outwardly to one side of the opposing tooth 22 and into a gap on that side of the opposing tooth 22, so as to align the first and second gear wheels. Such a gear arrangement has particular use in a geared value setting mechanism provided on a print drum shaft of a postage meter.

Abstract: A mixed mail processing machine comprising a series of modules for performing mail processing functions on the mail pieces as they are transported, oriented horizontally, along a feed deck bordered by a reference surface for registering the mail piece edges, the feed deck being tilted by an angle of 4.degree.-6.degree. off of a horizontal plane for utilizing the assistance of gravity forces to maintain the mail pieces registered.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing items in selected configurations and a system and method for controlling the same. More particularly, an apparatus for producing mail pieces and a system and method for controlling it to produce mail pieces in a variety of configurations are disclosed. The apparatus includes a laser printer and folding sealing apparatus controlled by a data processor. The folder sealer apparatus combines sheets printed by the laser printer with pre-printed sheets and envelope forms, which also may be printed by the laser printer or may be windowed envelopes, folds the sheets as necessary and folds and seals the envelope form about the folded sheets to produce a mail piece. A user inputs a configuration for the mail piece which is translated by the data processor into a data structure and transmitted to the controller of the folder sealer apparatus.

Abstract: A one-pass sorting system for sorting mail pieces in a sequence corresponding to a mail carrier's route includes storage media for storing a database containing a delivery sequence for each address on the carrier's route. As mail pieces to be delivered by the carrier are fed into the system, each of the mail pieces are transported to an multiline optical character reader (MLOCR) which reads the address printed on the mail piece. A processor operatively connected to the MLOCR and the storage media determines the sorting sequence representative of the delivery order sequence for each of the mail pieces which are then stored in a temporary storage bin until the sorting sequence has been determined for all the mail pieces. The mail pieces are then removed from the temporary storage bin and deposited into final sorting bins in an order corresponding to a sorting scheme corresponding to the delivery sequence in the carrier's route.

Abstract: A self-monitoring mail delivery system wherein mail is tracked as it passes through multiple delivery stages. A schedule is created of expected arrival times at each stage. Should a mail piece not arrive on time, the system is alerted to initiate a search for the late or missing mail piece, or to take other corrective action, such as expediting delivery of late pieces. A data center monitors the operations and provides management information to help enhance deliveries.

Abstract: A system for preparing shipping documents includes a processor, a keyboard, a display, a memory and a printer. Associated with the printer are a single sheet feeder, a batch feeder and an endless form feeder. The system is capable of preparing a wide variety of waybills and other shipping forms. The system is also able to prepare automatically all shipping documents required for a mass shipment to a user-defined group of recipients. A user activated "help" function provides information specific to the type of data that the user is attempting to enter at the time the help function is activated. There is also a "rare shopping" function that allows the user to define for each shipping mode a group of other shipping modes for rate comparison purposes.

Abstract: A system for match mailing a plurality of documents and envelopes, includes first scanning means for scanning at least one line of a first identification block of text printed on a document, the first block of text having a determined number of characters, first means operatively connected to the first scanning means for generating a first print array representative of the number and location of characters of the lines scanned in the first block of text, second scanning means for scanning at least one line of a second identification block of text printed on an envelope, the second block of text having a determined number of characters and second means operatively connected to the second scanning means for generating a second print array representative of the number and location of characters of the lines scanned in the second block of text.

Abstract: An item bearing an indicia which verifies a status of the item and a method and apparatus for applying such indicia. The indicia represents an encrypted message and has the form of a number n base N number system represented by characters selected from an unambiguous machine-readable character set having n characters. The characters consist of connected graphs drawn on a predetermined grid and meeting certain selected requirements. A set of descripters is selected, including a number of type 1 and type 3 points in a character and a subset of characters is selected from the set of all possible characters meeting the requirements so that each character is unambiguously described in terms of the selected descripters. In one embodiment disclosed the item is a mail piece and the status is the payment of postage.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing sheets, comprising: structure for feeding sheets in a downstream path of travel; at least two structure for supporting sheets located adjacent to said path of travel; each of said supporting structure having stacked therein a plurality of sheets; at least one of said sheet supporting means including electronic structure for storing data relating to each sheet therein; and structure for controlling operation of the apparatus; and said controlling structure including structure for causing said data to be stored therein.

Abstract: The instant invention is concerned with the casting of metal fibers, preferably ferrous fibers, by the melt extraction technique. The metal to be cast as a fiber is in the form of a rod which is brought into contact with a spinning wheel having a tapered perimeter. The rod is heated by electromagnetic induction by a specially designed, slightly curved spiral coil. The coil is shaped to focus the heat at, or close to, the tip of the rod so to induce a meniscus. The rod is fed the through an opening in a guide that acts as a heat sink to carry away excess heat and prevent the rod from melting except at its tip. The spinning wheel is placed in contact with the melted portion of the rod and forms the fibers as it is rotated.

Abstract: A sensor for determining position or dimensions of an object comprises an array of detectors and an actuating medium of the detectors configured to cause the detectors to output an absolute Gray binary code.

Abstract: A dual redundant electronic postage meter and associated method is provided for increasing the reliability of meter operation, comprising a first meter module including triple redundant memory technique/dual redundant means and dual redundant microprocessor means, a second meter module including triple redundant rechniques/dual redundant memory means and dual redundant microprocessor means, the dual redundant microprocessor means of the first meter module selectively communicating with a data entry means and external output means, and the dual redundant microprocessor means of the second meter module selectively communicating with the data entry means and the external output means, the second meter module being activiated in response to a failure in the operation of the first meter module.

Abstract: A document inserter has a touch screen for manually controlling the functioning of the inserter from a central location. The touch screen is capable of providing a plurality of different displays. A remote transmitter communicates with the control system of the inserter to remotely control a limited number of functions of the inserter, and preferably only during the occurrence of one or a limited number of the possible displays. Remote control also causes the emission of an audible warning.