Abstract: A stamp dispensing apparatus receives and transmits serial data between itself and a central computer. The data from the computer includes stamp dispensing commands as well as supervisory commands in a predetermined serial data format. The stamp dispensing apparatus comprises interface means for receiving the data, decoding the data, and actuating a stamp dispensing mechanism. The apparatus includes an LED-photodetector mechanism for detecting stamp perforations to allow counting of the number of stamps dispensed. Dispensing errors are detected and reported back to the computer.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a postage meter containing a conductive barrier shield specifically designed to permit maximum protection for the component circuit board against static electricity, moisture and other contaminants.

Abstract: A postage meter has a print drum with print wheels which are shiftable to select the value of the postage. The positions of the print wheels are controlled by the positions of axially displaceable racks which in turn are controlled by a helical nut and pinion system which is driven by motor.

Abstract: A computation and control module suitable for use in a variety of postal scales as well as other types of mailroom equipment is disclosed. The module includes a microprocessor and associated circuitry; connectors for connecting ROM, which store firmware for controlling the microprocessor, and PROM, which store postal rate charts; an input/output connector; a serial interface for communications with postage meters; a non-volatile memory for storing parameters specific to particular units; and an auxiliary input/output connector. The auxiliary input/output connector is driven by selected, memory mapped interface circuitry mounted on the PROM card. The module also includes a load cell interface and a power supply. In one embodiment switches, responsive to the microprocessor, are provided for sequentially energizing various connectors and interfaces, so as to reduce power requirements. Systems comprising a plurality of computation and control modules are disclosed.

Abstract: A computation and control module suitable for use in a variety of postal scales as well as other types of mailroom equipment is disclosed. The module includes a microprocessor and associated circuitry; connectors for connecting ROM, which store firmware for controlling the microprocessor, and PROM, which store postal rate charts; an input/output connector; a serial interface for communications with postage meters; a non-volatile memory for storing parameters specific to particular units; and an auxiliary input/output connector. The auxiliary input/output connector is driven by selected, memory mapped interface circuitry mounted on the PROM card. The module also includes a load cell interface and a power supply. In one embodiment switches, responsive to the microprocessor, are provided for sequentially energizing various connectors and interfaces, so as to reduce power requirements. Systems comprising a plurality of computation and control modules are disclosed.

Abstract: Indicia having an encrypted number that is stamped upon a mail piece representative of postage so as to provide a code for authentication of such postage.

Abstract: In printing apparatus including structure for changing a value to be printed and structure for selecting a value to be printed, wherein the former includes a plurality of banks, each of which includes a print wheel having a plurality of print elements, and the latter includes structure for selecting each bank and structure for selecting each print element of a selected bank, and structure for driving the bank and print element selection structure, wherein the driving structure includes an output shaft, and structure for selectively coupling the shaft to the bank and print element selection structure, the improvement for controlling the value selection structure, the improvement comprising: the driving structure including a d.c.

Abstract: Envelope flap moistening apparatus for use in a machine for feeding an envelope having a flap in a predetermined path of travel. The apparatus includes a hinge pin which is connected to the machine so as to extend across the path of travel of an envelope flap. In addition, the apparatus includes an elongate brush for applying moisture to an envelope flap, which brush includes a base. The apparatus also includes an elongate brush retainer which is made of a resilient plastic material. The brush retainer includes first and second channels. The first channel is dimensioned for engagement with the hinge pin and has an elongate opening dimensioned for receiving the hinge pin through the opening for attaching the retainer to the hinge pin. And the second channel, having a generally inverted-U-shaped transverse cross-section, is dimensioned for insertion and removal of the brush base against resilient forces exerted on the base by the walls of the second channel for attaching the brush to the retainer.

Abstract: Diagnostic test method and apparatus for testing the contents of a programmable device in a mailing machine. Upon initiation of the test sequence, each bit of the mailing machine programmable device under test is added in an accumulator and the resulting sum is displayed on the machine's control panel display. This value can then be checked against the expected value to detect errors or failure to install the latest update.

Abstract: In combination with apparatus for printing indicia on a sheet, and a microcomputer for controlling the indicia printing apparatus to cause the indicia to be printed a predetermined marginal distance from an edge of the sheet, there is provided an improvement for changing the marginal distance. The improvement comprises: operator-controlled apparatus for providing at least one signal representative of at least one increment of distance; and programming the microcomputer for processing the at least one signal to provide a changed marginal distance, wherein the changed marginal distance includes the predetermined distance changed by the at least one increment of distance.

Abstract: An interface is connected between an OCIA type port and a mailing system peripheral, such as a weighing cell. The interface comprises an input data circuit, operatively connected to a serial data input line and to an associated input clock line, for receiving serial data input words comprising 8 serial data bits and an end-of-message (EOM) bit. The input circuit converts the serial input words into parallel form and transfers them to a programmable interface controller. The interface also includes an output circuit for transforming parallel output words from the interface controller into serial format. The output circuit is operatively connected to a serial data output line and an output data clock line from the OCIA type port. When an output data word is loaded into the output circuit the output line is forced to a predetermined logical level signalling the port the data is available. The port then provides a series of clock pulses to shift the data word out from the output circuit.

Abstract: An improvement in a collating machine for stacking sheets of paper being fed seriatim thereto from a singulating feeder in the same order as the sheets appear in the singulating feeder. The collating machine includes a belt for transporting the sheets of paper, a ramp for lifting a succeeding sheet of paper over and onto a preceding, stopped sheet of paper, and a stopping device for stopping each sheet of paper after the sheet has been lifted by the ramp. The improvement includes a removable stacking device for stacking the sheets of paper in the reverse order as the sheets appear in the singulating feeder.

Abstract: It has been found that applying an alternating charge to the cleaning brush of a xerographic printer of the reversal development type results in superior neutralization of the residual charge on the photoconductor. This has the advantage of achieving subsequent charging that is uniform.

Abstract: The ink ejecting portion of an ink jet printer is described, wherein a single ceramic transducer is used to create the pressure for the ink droplets. Unlike prior devices, the transducer is a one-piece member as opposed to use of a piezoceramic material and diaphragm. The one-piece member is a piezoceramic material having a notch configuration at the location of each chamber.

Abstract: Diagnostic test method and apparatus for testing subsystems in a mailing machine. A test mode is initiated by activating a test key which then allows the control panel keyboard to be utilized to control diagnostic testing with the control panel visual display used for output of test results. A password and test selection code are entered via the keyboard after activating the test mode permitting selection of one of a plurality of tests which can be run without the use of external equipment.

Abstract: Sheet handling apparatus is provided which includes structure for feeding a sheet in a predetermined path of travel, for sensing the sheet in the path of travel and providing at least one sensing signal indicative thereof, for printing postage indicia on the sheet, and for controlling the printing structure. The sensing structure is coupled to the controlling structure, which includes a microcomputer adapted to be energized from a local source of supply of power. The microcomputer is responsive to the at least one sensing signal for providing a time delay before commencement of operation of the printing structure to cause the postage indicia to be printed on the sheet a predetermined marginal distance from a reference edge of the sheet. The controlling structure includes a keyboard coupled to the microcomputer. The keyboard includes at least one key selectively operable for generating at least one key signal representative of a desired change in the marginal distance.

Abstract: There is disclosed a registration device for use with an envelope inserting machine. The device includes a pair of support members which are L-shaped, and which each have an elongated first portion extending parallel to the feed deck of the machine. A second portion of the members reaches laterally outward and overlies a pair of laterally disposed support members which extend from the feed deck. There is a registration guide member placed over an L-shaped portion of each support member, such that an internal corner of each guide member provides a guide and support for documents moving parallel and between the guides. The guides are clamped to the deck to ensure that documents cannot jam between the guide and the deck.

Abstract: A postage value determining scale includes a scale for determining the weight of an item to be mailed, a system processor for determining the applicable postage value and a display for displaying a breakdown of such postage value, all inter-connected by a common data bus. Another embodiment of the disclosed invention further includes a keyboard having a keyset limited to numeric keys and function keys for entering additional information such as class of service, destination, etc. into the system processor to be used by the system processor in determining the applicable postage value; the system processor transmitting such information to the display. Preferably, the display includes a display processor, a display device operatively connected to the display processor for displaying alphanumeric information and a memory operatively connected to the display processor.

Abstract: An envelope feeding apparatus, including a hopper having a support deck and a pair of vertical sides extending upwardly from the support deck, the support deck being oriented at an acute angle with respect to a horizontal plane, a separator roller and a separator stone situated at the lower end of the hopper for feeding envelopes seriatim from the hopper, a center ramp located upstream of the separator roller and the separator stone, the center ramp extending only a small portion of the distance between the vertical sides of the hopper, a center feed roller located above the downstream portion of the center ramp and proximate the separator stone, whereby the lower corners of the envelopes are raised off the support deck when the envelopes are translated along the center ramp and under the feed roller, thereby allowing the envelopes to approach the separator roller and the separator stone unskewed.

Abstract: In combination with a postage meter which includes a plurality of loads, a source of supply of motive power for driving the respective loads and instrumentalities for selectively coupling the source of motive power to the respective loads, there is provided an improvement which comprises: the motive power source including a d.c.