Patents Represented by Attorney Scolnick
  • Patent number: 4926787
    Abstract: Envelope flap moistening apparatus for use in a machine for feeding an envelope having a flap in a predetermined downstream path of travel, the apparatus comprising: an elongate horizontally-extending stripper blade including a trailing edge longitudinally-extending transverse to the path of travel, the stripper blade including a lower elongate hinge segment and an upper elongate hinge segment, each of the stripper blade hinge segments transversely-extending from the stripper blade trailing edge; an elongate applicator retainer including a leading edge longitudinally-extending transverse to the path of travel, the retainer including an upper elongate hinge segment and a lower elongate hinge segment, each of the retainer hinge segment transversely-extending from the retainer leading edge; and the upper hinge segments and lower hinge segments respectively cooperatively configured for engagement with one another and for maintaining the retainer in a predetermined position of alignment with the stripper blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Arnold Fassman, John R. Nobile
  • Patent number: 4928089
    Abstract: An encoder for a wheel comprises a linear Hall-effect sensor and magnet mounted on a non-ferrous metal shaft. A ferrous metal ring having a toothed structure extending inward such that each tooth ends at a point on a spiral curve is molded into the printwheel encircling the shaft. The Hall-effect sensor output provides a determined output when each tooth is positioned over the sensor to enable an absolute position determination while the signal drop off between the teeth as the wheel is moved allows for counting the steps between settings for relative encoding and redundancy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Donatas V. Gasiunas, Anthony Storace
  • Patent number: 4926193
    Abstract: An article of manufacture adapted for use with printing apparatus of the type which includes structure for thermally transferring ink from a ribbon. The article includes a frame defining a printing station, a ribbon including a backing layer and an ink donor layer, a ribbon supply spool rotatably mounted on said frame, a ribbon take-up spool rotatably mounted on said frame, the ribbon extending in a feed path from the supply spool to the take-up spool, and apparatus in the feed path for perforating the ribbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: William Berson, Julius Gluck, Patrick Murphy, Christopher D. Smith, Duc H. Tran
  • Patent number: 4924805
    Abstract: A moistening arrangement for mositening the flap of an envelope comprising an applicator, such as a nozzle directed to apply a liquid to an envelope flap along a given locus, includes a source of first signals that are a function of the width of the flap. An arrangements responsive to the first signals moves the applicator along the edge of the flap for moistening the flap at positions thereof. A source provides second signals that are a function of the shape of the flap. A pump is controlled to supply a quantity of the liquid to the applicator that is a function of the second signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin J. O'Dea
  • Patent number: 4924804
    Abstract: A moistening arrangement for moistening the flap of an envelope moving in a first direction in a given plane, includes a nozzle directed to spray a liquid at an envelope flap along a given locus in the plane. A source of first signals that are a function of the position of the edge in the plane is provided. An arrangement responsive to the first signals moves the nozzle in a direction substantially parallel to the plane for moistening the flap at positions thereof. The source comprises a source of first signals corresponding to the edge positions of the flap at a position spaced a given distance from the locus in a second direction opposite the first direction. A source of a second signal corresponding to the velocity of the envelope is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin J. O'Dea, Donald T. Dolan, Norman J. Bergman
  • Patent number: 4924106
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for mapping the profile of an envelope flap using an array of sensors of the optical reflective type in which certain optical emitters and certain optical detectors are activated in a sequence to accurately detect and record multiple edge points on a moving flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Tolmie, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4924332
    Abstract: A dictation transcription system having a recording/playback module and a display module which are detachably connectable to form an integral structure. The display module provides a visual display of the length, locations and types of messages by storing and utilizing display data. This display data is generated during a dictate operation and, when dictation is "finished", the display data is recorded on the record medium. Subsequently, and preferably, prior to transcription of the dictated messages, the record medium is scanned for the display data which then controls a transcriptionist's display module to reproduce the visual indication originally derived during dictation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Assignee: Dictaphone Corporation
    Inventors: John J. Dwyer, David B. Chamberlin, Emil F. Jachmann
  • Patent number: 4923023
    Abstract: A mailing machine comprised of a plurality of modules, each of the modules a particular process function on a delivered envelope. The modules are arranged within a single process station. The comprising modules include a scale module having means for weighing a envelope, a transport module having means for positioning the envelope in the process station and ejecting the envelope from the process station, a meter module having printing means for imprinting an indicia on the envelope, a platen module having means for causing the envelope to contact the printing means of the meter module, and an inking module having means for causing printing ink to be deposited on the printing means of the meter module. The modules operate in a manner functionally independent of any other module and in a manner. A tape module is included having means for positioning a tape for indicia printing between the meter module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Donald T. Dolan, Robert T. Durst, Jr., David W. Hubbard, Morton Silverberg
  • Patent number: 4922817
    Abstract: An improved locking apparatus for preventing access to the print die of a postage meter which is protected by a shutter when it is removed from its base include a carriage and slide crack which are reciprocated by a solenoid in a direction transverse to the deadbolt which locks the shutter from moving. The operation of the carriage and slide crank prevent the deadbolt from being reciprocated by force applied to the deadbolt. A groove in the deadbolt interlocks with a slot on the shutter to allow the solenoid to be deactuated. A return spring in the solenoid is sized to prevent acceleration forces from moving the deadbolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventor: Richard S. Holodnak
  • Patent number: 4921107
    Abstract: A semi-automatic mail sortation system. The system includes an input for input of information to a processor, and a display and sorting system controlled by the processor. The sortation system also includes a data base of names and associated mail drops accessed through the processor. In operation a mail piece is presented to an operator who inputs the first few letters of the addressee's name and the processor accesses the data base to display a set of records consistent with the input. The operator then selects a record and the processor controls the sorting system to sort the mail piece in accordance with the mail drop in the selected record. If the addressee's name is not displayed at first the operator may use conventional display controls to search further in the data base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Hofer
  • Patent number: 4922085
    Abstract: A tape advancing system for advancing a tape past a printing device in a mailing machine selective draws one of two tapes, from a supply reeled and presents the selected tape for postage indicia printing. The tape system includes, a first motor for selectively advancing a first one of a plurality of tapes and a second motor for moving the selected tape to a printing position. The tapes are advanced past the printing device in a parallel, facing relationship. The selected tape is exposed for imprinting by the printing device. The tape is moved into a printing position only when it is desired to imprint tape. At other times, the tapes are clear of printing device thereby permitting the printing device to imprint envelopes delivered by an envelope transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Hugh St. L. Dannatt, Carl A. Miller
  • Patent number: 4922514
    Abstract: A method and system for the dispatch of resources to remote sites in response to alarm signals. A preferred embodiment particularly relates to a system for the dispatch of field service engineers to a plurality of remote sites in response to fault conditions detected in systems for the storage and retrieval of voice signals. A processor accesses a database of field service engineers designated to provide services to particular remote sites in response to alarm signals received from those sites and then attempts to establish a telephone connection with the field service engineer. Once communication is established, the processor provides the field service engineer with information by means of synthetic voice messages. In a preferred embodiment of the subject invention, the system may also execute remote diagnostic programs and where the results of the diagnostic programs are not within predetermined limits, the system will again attempt to contact a field service engineer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Assignee: Dictaphone Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence E. Bergeron, John D. Goldson, David A. Ellis
  • Patent number: 4916623
    Abstract: An electronic postal meter has an accounting unit with redundant nonvolatile random access memories controlled by a microprocessor system. The redundant random access memories have separate groups of address and data lines to minimize identical errors in data stored therein. The data transfer may occur at different times to and from the memories, with respect to any given byte of data. The system may incorporate redundant microprocessors, and critical parameters may be checked at periodic intervals in the main program of the accounting microprocessor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventor: Frank T. Check, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4911268
    Abstract: The invention disclosed herein provides a device which a non-linear force/distance relationship of spring or other device and linearizes it in a range of interest. In accordance with the invention, the device comprises a first gear section and a second gear section. The first and second gear sections are pivotally supported in a meshing relationship. The first gear section includes gear teeth extending about an arc of a first circle having a first center, and the second gear section includes gear teeth extending about an arc of a second circle having a second center. The mating pair of sections comprise a non-circular gearing pair. For limited ranges of motion the non-circular gears can be approximated by eccentrically mounted circular gears. The two gear sections thus pivot eccentrically with respect to each other such that a variable torque or force must be applied to one gear section to obtain a constant torque or force from the other gear section, and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventor: Walter J. Kulpa
  • Patent number: 4911422
    Abstract: Apparatus for removing a flat article form a stream of articles moving along a straight path. The apparatus includes: a substantially curved, horizontal ramp movable vertically between a lower, home position and an upper position for engaging a removing the flat article form the stream and a swingable arm situated above the ramp. The arm has at its remote end a constantly turning roller and an arc, such that the constantly turning roller is always situated above the horizontal ramp. The path further included is a device for moving the ramp form the lower position to the upper position to engage the constantly turning roller to thereby drive the roller toward the flat article whereby the flat article is gripped by the constantly turning roller and removed form the stream of flat articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventor: David R. Auerbach
  • Patent number: 4909499
    Abstract: Singulating apparatus for singulating mail pieces of varying sizes and thickness comprises reversely-driven belts mounted in a four-bar linkage that pivots upwardly to allow bottom most mail pieces through while driving backward overlying mail pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: John J. O'Brien, Russell W. Holbrooik
  • Patent number: 4910392
    Abstract: A counter mechanism for a postage meter includes a number of sections each having a number wheel (14) repesenting the respective order of accounted value, transfer mechanisms in the form of Geneva gears connecting the number wheels (14) to provide carry-over movements between adjacent sections. A ratchet mechanism is provided in the number wheel (14) to allow rotation of the number drum (16) as a result of an account input from the postage meter, even when a carry movement gear (18) of the number wheel (14) is locked by the Geneva gear. The ratchet mechanism includes an internally-profiled surface on one part (16) having ratchet steps (70) separated by portions (76) of relatively low gradient. Projections (74) are provided on a central member (72) of another part (18), the projections extending substantially tangential to the internally-profiled surface so as to engage in the ratchet steps (70) in the event of attempted rotation in one direction and to stop such rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes plc
    Inventors: Ray L. Bannister, Frederick C. Close, Peter J. Loeber
  • Patent number: 4909374
    Abstract: A device for guiding flat articles being fed horizontally and changing the direction of movement from one direction to another wherein the change in direction may be as great as 90.degree.. This is accomplished by providing a housing with internal rollers capable of being rotated in one of two directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventor: Manfred Skrypalle
  • Patent number: 4910686
    Abstract: A postage meter which imprints non-dollar amount indicia representative of postage value determining information. The meter receives postage value determining information, such as mail piece weight, associated with particular mail pieces; computes the corresponding postage; imprints the particular envelope with the postage value determining information; and accounts for the postage thus expended. Because the range of postage value determining information is small compared the possible range of postage setting information the meter to print is quicker and easier. In one embodiment the meter also prints a validating indicia which assures that the rates used to compute the postage value are valid. In another embodiment the postage value determining information includes information which characterizes a batch of mail, for example as being entitled to a pre-sort discount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Sung S. Chang, Seymour Feinland, Hans C. Mol
  • Patent number: D306731
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: Dictaphone Corporation
    Inventors: andor F. Weisz, Andrew J. Blance