Abstract: In a value printing device such as a postage meter, a novel system is provided for automatically and electronically warning the operator that an inking member has reached the end of its useful life span and must be replaced.

Abstract: A system for automatically setting a postage meter as a function of package weight and destination includes a scale mechanism for generating weight-representing signals. The package postage can be established by converting the destination zip code to a destination zone. The destination zone used in retrieving a minimum postage and incremental postage amounts is applicable for that zone from data storage. The weight-representing signal is successively decremented and the postage amounts synchronously incremented until a signal checking circuit establishes that the decremented weight-representing signal is equal to zero.

Abstract: A data center for remote postage meter recharging receives resetting signal information to reset a remotely located postage meter. The remotely located postage meter has signal information stored therein for use in recharging the meter with additional postage in conjunction with a signal information received from the data center and entered into the meter. The data center includes a sealed unit for processing received resetting signal information and encrypted signal information stored at the data center outside of the sealed unit. The stored encrypted signal information at the data center is equivalent to the signal information stored in the remotely located postage meter. The sealed unit includes a decrypter for decrypting the encrypted signal information so that it may be combined with the resetting signal information to generate a signal for use in resetting the remotely located postage meter.

Abstract: A value selection system for a postage meter includes a plurality of print wheels rotatably mounted within a print drum. The print drum is coupled to be driven to rotate such that selected print elements on each of the print wheels are moved to imprint a postage value on a mail piece or other postage imprint receiving surface. The print wheels are selectively positioned by a print wheel value selection mechanism which is operable to set the print wheels during any time within a printing cycle except when the actual imprint is being impressed. The mechanism is operable to move the print wheels when the print drum is at rest and when the print drum is in motion. The position of the print wheels and the print drum may be monitored to account for the printing of postage by the meter.