Abstract: A display for providing visual indications of the lengths of recorded messages, the positions of recorded instructions and the present relative location of a record medium. Three separate arrays are provided for these indications, respectively. Each recorded message may be a letter, note, memo, etc., and is indicated by steady-state energization of segments included in a first (letter) array. "Priority" messages are represented by a distinctive indication, such as by flashing the appropriate segments in that array. Similarly, "normal" and "special" instructions are represented by two different, distinctive indications, such as steady-state and flashing energization of particular segments in a second (instruction) array.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of determining the authenticity of a signal indicative of the mass of an article being weighted. The article is placed upon the platform, and the platform is caused to oscillate and the period of harmonic motion is measured. One of or both the frequency of oscillation and amplitude of the transducer signal is monitored for purposes of determining authentication.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a bit-mapped CRT raster display where a processor stores a bit-map of a CRT display frame in a buffer memory as strings of data words representative of bit-maps for single scan lines of the display. Associated with each string is a pointer which contains the starting address of the string which maps the next scan line. A controller accesses the buffer memory to output the data words of each string to a serializer in synchronism with the raster to generate a CRT video signal. After each string the controller accesses the buffer memory to get the pointer to the next string. In response to a initialization signal from the processor the controller obtains the pointer to the string associated with the first scan line from predetermined locations in memory. Alternatively the processor may directly load the controller with the initial pointer prior to each raster frame.

Abstract: In apparatus for thermally transferring ink from a ribbon, having backing and ink donor layers, to a letter, wherein the apparatus includes a frame, a thermal printhead and a printhead backing roller, there is provided an improvement for urging a ribbon and letter into engagement with one another. The improvement includes the printhead backing roller connected to the frame for rotation in engagement with a letter fed between the roller and a ribbon, and the printhead backing roller including a body portion adapted to flex when engaging a letter for urging a letter into contact with the ink donor layer of a ribbon. Moreover, it is of the invention that the roller body portion include at least one channel formed therein.

Abstract: A value printing system is disclosed which provides for storing the indicia to be printed within a secure vault module. The vault module also provides for securely maintaining the system accounting data. Coupled to the vault module is a host module which in turn is coupled to a printer module, whereby the indicia are printed. The vault module and the host module are coupled together by a high speed communications bus which utilizes a memory interchange, or swapping, technique to transfer blocks of data bidirectionally between the vault and the host.

Abstract: A device applicable for processing batch mail which eliminates the need for on-site inspection. A mail sender purchases postage value and stores the amount purchased in the memory of the accounting device. The mail sender processes batches of mail and reduces the amount of purchased postage value in the memory to account for the mail processed.

Abstract: In apparatus for thermally transferring ink from a ribbon, having backing and ink donor layers, to a letter, wherein the apparatus includes a frame, a thermal printhead, structure connected to the frame for controlling the printhead, and a roller, wherein the printhead is disposable in a non-printing position permitting a ribbon to be located between the printhead and roller and in a printing position in which the printhead is in engagement with the backing layer of a ribbon, and wherein the roller is adapted for rotation when in engagement with a letter fed between the roller and a ribbon, an improvement for urging a ribbon and letter into engagement with one another, the improvement comprising: the printhead controlling structure including structure for resiliently supporting the printhead for urging the ink donor layer of a ribbon into contact with a letter when the printhead is disposed in the printing position; and the roller including a body portion adapted to flex when engaging a letter for urging a le

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning a moving substrate and a read or write head includes independently controllable rollers for deskewing the sensed skew of a moving substrate and a read or write device that is translatable in a direction fixed with respect to the reference direction of the moving substrate.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating the front and back walls of an envelope. The apparatus includes a supporting frame; a device mounted on the supporting frame for holding an envelope having a back wall, a front wall, and a flap extending from the back wall but not contiguous with the back wall; and an orbital claw assembly mounted in the supporting frame. The claw assembly includes a claw movable in an orbit which positions the tip of the claw at an appropriate time between the front and back walls of the envelope and thereafter further movement of the claw in the orbit causes the claw to separate the front wall from the back wall of the envelope.

Abstract: The tape module for mounting in a mailing machine includes a tape track supported by a support means such that the tape track is supported in a generally cantilevered manner. A tape positioning means selectively positioning the support means in a first position and in a second position longitudinally removed from the first position. A tape feed means for selectively feeding one of a plurality of imprinting tapes to and through the tape track such that the fed imprinting tape resides within the tape track when the tape track is in the second position.

Abstract: A system is provided for processing a letter for bulk mailing. The system includes structures for printing and for supplying stationery items. In addition, the system includes a computer. The computer includes input structure for receiving letter data corresponding to information for at least one letter. The information for the at least one letter includes a plurality of parts. The computer also includes a program for formatting the letter data for the at least one letter. The formatted letter data includes a plurality of parts. The information parts for the at least one letter correspond one-for-one with the data parts. The computer is also programmed for causing the supplying structure to supply at least one stationery item to the printing structure. The computer is further programmed for causing the printing structure to print at least one information part on the at least one stationery item, and for storing a predetermined code.

Abstract: A system for processing batch mail in which the need for on-site inspection is unnecessary. The mail sender purchases postage from a central station thereby authorizing him to send mail equal to the amount of postage purchased. The mail sender processes batches of mail each of which is accompanied by a statement summarizing the type and number of mail pieces sent and amount of postage for each batch. The statement contains data that allows mail payment verification. The system further provides for postal funds transfer between the various mailroom devices and centralized accounting for the mailing operation.

Abstract: A printwheel setting mechanism suitable for automatic daters or other printwheel units comprises a verge drive for each printwheel and a solenoid travelling on a carriage which is selectively positionable actuating any one of the verge drives. The verge drive includes a verge which oscillates to advance a starwheel as the solenoid is actuated and deactuated. A pin wheel fixed for rotation with the starwheel engages slots on the printwheel for advancing it.

Abstract: A system for storage and forwarding of voice signals. The system includes apparatus for storage and retrieval of voice signals and telephone-like station sets for access to the stored signals. The station sets also include a display and the system transmits text messages corresponding to various stored signals to the station sets corresponding to the addressees of the various stored signals to inform the addressees that they have messages waiting. In one embodiment the text messages identify the originator or class of the voice signals. In another embodiment the station set will respond to an input by a user to automatically contact the apparatus for storage and retrieval of voice signals to retrieve a stored voice signal corresponding to a displayed text message.

Abstract: A system for reliably authenticating a document includes a device having a decryption key therein that, upon application to information provided by a user, reveals not only a plain text message indicating the source of the authentication but, in addition, provides the decryption key for use with the information provided by the mailer.

Abstract: A portable data storage module, or vault cartridge, having a data storage device and a plurality of conductive members which are disposed beneath an insulating outer surface of the module. In conjunction with corresponding conductive members in a host device, the corresponding conductive members being disposed adjacent to an outer surface of the module and in registration with the conductive members within the module, the portable data storage module when coupled to the host device is operable for having data capacitively coupled through opposing pairs of conductive members.

Abstract: A system for processing batch mail in which a mail sender processes batches of mail each of which includes a statement containing data that allows mail payment verification. Included in this data is the balance of postage value after processing the mail.

Abstract: This invention relates to a postage meter having a plurality of worm gears for adjusting the rotational position of postage print wheels. Each worm gear selectively moves a rack which is an engagement with a postage print wheel so as to provide rotational movement to the print wheel. Sensors are provided so that the rotational position of each worm gear can be determined thereby indicating the position of the print wheels.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for processing a stationery item. The stationery item has a code identifying an addressee of the stationery item. The apparatus includes printing and feeding structures. The feeding structure includes instrumentalities for normally feeding the stationery item in a first feed path to the printing structure and for selectively feeding the stationery item in a second feed path out of the first feed path. Further, the feeding structure includes a code sensor. The apparatus additionally includes a computer. The computer is programmed for controlling the feeding structure, and includes a memory device for storing a dispositive data listing for the code. The dispositive data listing selectively includes data defining the second feed path. The controlling program includes a routine for causing the feeding structure to feed the stationery item in the second feed path when the code is sensed, and the dispositive data listing for the code includes the data defining the second feed path.

Abstract: A multichannel communications recorder or logger. The recorder is formed from modular elements which may be configured into a large number of selectable configurations. In each configuration one or more record decks is controlled by a control module which includes a system control microprocessor and a CRT control microprocessor. Control is provided by a user selecting to implement functions defined in accordance with a particular page displayed. Access to various pages is controlled by various levels of passwords with the highest level being used by a service person and lower levels being provided to users of the system. Because of the need to provide physical security for recorded tapes, each tape deck is provided with a door secured by an electro-mechanical lock. Because of the need to maintain continuous monitoring in many applications, the system is provided with the capability to be configured in configurations providing back-up for selected channels.