Abstract: Apparatus for transferring data from the memory associated with one processor to the memory associated with another processor. A direct memory access (DMA) controller is connected to each processor and facilitates transfer of bulk data from one memory to the other without the intervention of either or both processors.

Abstract: An electronic weighing scale system capable of performing a plurality of functions. Predetermined subsets of the functions can be accessed from the system keyboard. The subset of functions which a particular keyboard can access is easily changed by replacing a non-volatile memory integrated circuit chip which may be the same one that contains postal rate information. Memory locations within the chip are segregated into two complementary arrays, one containing each possible combination of strobe and return signals, and the other containing a different word which defines one of the functions that the system can perform. When a particular key is actuated, the strobe/return signal output from the keyboard is compared with each of the strobe/return combinations stored in the first array. When a match is found, a function identification word is retrieved from the corresponding memory location in the second array to designate the specific function that the actuated key is intended to produce.

Abstract: A weighing cell which is protected against overloading due to mechanical shock and delayed weight readout due to vibration. The weighing cell, which has a platform, a self-contained base and a load cell operatively connected therebetween, includes, in one embodiment, a plurality of posts connected to the base and separated from the platform by a gap to protect against overload forces applied to the non-axial region of the platform. Feet on the base of the weighing cell have an energy absorbing material thereon and are placed outboard of the load cell to provide quick damping of vibrations caused when a load is placed on the platform. The load cell is spaced at a partial gap from the base and platform to protect it from overload forces applied to the axial region of the platform.

Abstract: A postage metering machine has the capability of printing postage on mail by means of a printing device having a plurality of selectively settable printing wheels. The printing wheels have a plurality of numerical printing members, around their periphery, and there is a plurality of spaced printing members disposed between the wheels from which decimal point shaped printing members can be selectively removed in order to vary the position of the decimal point. The ability to vary the decimal point position, provides a means of accommodating various currency denominations required by various countries of the world.

Abstract: A power supply system includes a switching type regulated power supply operable to provide switched regulated D.C. output voltages. A first winding having a first terminal and a second terminal is provided. The first terminal is connected to be energized by the switched D.C. output voltage of the switching type regulated power supply such that a switched D.C. voltage is developed at the second terminal of the first winding. A second winding electromagnetically coupled to said first winding and having a first and a second terminal is also provided. A capacitor and a diode are coupled between the first and the second terminal of the first winding. Means connect the diode and the capacitor to the first terminal of the second winding.The power supply system may be part of a postage meter system. A postage meter includes accounting means operatively coupled to a postage printing means. The accounting means accounts for postage printed by the printing means.

Abstract: A weighing device is disclosed which comprises a frame, a pan element for supporting a load to be weighed, channel members connected to the pan for retaining a plurality of weight elements in a vertically movable manner, a motor supported within the frame, a shaft member operatively connected to and extending from the motor and a plurality of support members each adapted to receive and lift one of the weight elements. Included are circular concentric cam tracks rotating with the shaft member, each of the tracks being positioned under a plurality of the support members. A switch is provided for energizing the motor when the pan is depressed by a load. The motor turns the shaft member and guides the concentric cam tracks alternately into contact with successive support members in a step-by-step manner and thereby lift a corresponding number of the weights substantially equal to the weight of the load.

Abstract: A weighing device is disclosed which comprises a frame, a pan element for supporting a load to be weighed, a channel member connected to the pan for retaining a plurality of weight elements in a vertically movable manner, a motor supported within the frame, a shaft member operatively connected to and extending from the motor and a plurality of support members having top end portions adapted to receive and lift one of the weight elements. Two arms are secured to the shaft member and each extends in a direction toward the support members. A switch is provided for energizing the motor when the pan is depressed by a load. The motor turns the shaft member and guides each of the arms alternately into contact with successive support members in a step-by-step manner and thereby lift a corresponding number of the weights substantially equal to the weight of the load.

Abstract: A mailing machine including a postage meter for printing postage impressions on tape, a removable tape dispensing module, and a device for receiving the removable tape dispensing module. The removable tape dispensing module includes a support housing, a shaft translatably mounted in the housing, an advance roller slidably mounted on the inner end of and rotatably with the shaft, a paddle pivotably mounted on the housing and biased downwardly onto the advance roller to thereby clamp the tape, a cam fixedly mounted on the interior portion of the shaft, the cam being engagable with the paddle to lift the paddle away from the advance roller, a rotatable knob mounted on the outer end of the shaft and capable of rotating the advance roller, and a device for effecting translation of the cam in the direction of the axis of the shaft.

Abstract: A weighing device is disclosed which comprises a frame, a pan element for supporting a load to be weighed, a channel member connected to the pan for retaining a plurality of weight elements in a vertically movable manner, a motor supported within the frame, a shaft member operatively connected to and extending from the motor and a plurality of vertically movable support members having top end portions adapted to receive and lift one of the weight elements. Two arms are secured to the shaft member and each extends in a direction toward the support members. In one embodiment of the present invention, each support member includes a cam track therein and each of the arms include a cam follower adapted to ride in the cam track. In another embodiment, each support member includes a cam follower extending therefrom and each of the arms include a cam track adapted to receive the cam follower such that the follower can ride in the cam track.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for xerographic printing wherein a magnetic brush unit is used to both apply toner to an image on a photoconductive surface and clean the surface in the same cycle. A reverse imaging process is used in combination with an electronically controlled exposure station. A cleaner or separate cleaning station is not required in the inventive method and apparatus described herein.

Abstract: In a tape recording machine having a capstan drive system for driving the tape, an improved slip clutch for allowing the take up reel to be driven at a variable rotational speed while the capstan is driven at a uniform rotational speed. The slip clutch includes a driven spindle, a plastic member fixedly secured to the top of the driven spindle, the member having a lower, elongate cylindrical portion and an upper, outwardly extending flange defining a downwardly facing shoulder and an upwardly facing cam surface, and a substantially annular, plastic hub frictionally engaging the cylindrical portion of the plastic member and having an interior diameter slightly smaller than the external diameter of the plastic member cylindrical portion.

Abstract: A postage meter includes a printer adapted to print postage and a computer coupled to the printer to account for postage printed by the printer. A power supply is coupled to the computer for energizing the computer to operate. The power supply includes a winding adapted to energize the power supply when magnetic flux is caused to pass through the winding. The power supply further includes a magnetic circuit for coupling magnetic flux to the winding. A housing encloses the postage meter power supply, postage meter computer and postage meter printer. The housing includes a portion adapted to allow the passage of magnetic energy into the interior thereof to energize the magnetic circuit.The postage meter may operate in conjunction with a mailing machine. The mailing machine is adapted to engage the postage meter and includes a power supply system which energizes the mailing machine.

Abstract: An electronic postal meter system is separated into a meter unit and an input/output control unit. The two units are linked by a communications link which preferably uses light transmitting fibers to transmit data and instructions. The meter unit is used to process and store only that data which pertains to the critical accounting functions of the meter or to the control of the printer driven by the electronics control within the meter unit. Less critical functions, such as zip-to-zone conversions, are restricted to the less secure control unit. By restricting the meter unit to highly critical data and by enclosing only the meter unit in a secure housing, the overall security of the meter system is enhanced. Novel failure detect circuitry for a printer setting detector array and a novel event-indicating signal generator circuit are disclosed. The significant routines employed in the operation of the meter system are described.

Abstract: An interface between a system processor of an automated mailing system and selected peripheral devices carries peripheral support hardware and software for communication with the peripherals. The interface includes a board having a memory wherein programs for formatting communications with the peripherals are stored. A working memory for the temporary storage of commands and data for communication to the peripherals and a peripheral controller for establishing a communications link with a selected peripheral are also carried on the interface board. The inclusion of additional peripheral devices or the substitution of alternate peripheral devices which would require revision of communications formatting programs does not require reprogramming of the system processor and is accommodated by revising the program stored in the interface program memory.

Abstract: Conveying apparatus for embossing machines for producing printing plates for address printing machines or for identification means made out of sheet metal or plastic material. The embossing machine conveying apparatus is capable of moving the printing plates in two directions which are perpendicular to each other. One of these directions is the direction required for character embossing within a print or read line and the second direction, which is perpendicular to the first, is in the direction of line spacing.

Abstract: A postage meter indicia plate that has openings therein for the purpose of receiving the print wheels of the postage meter print head. The surface of the plate is covered with a elastomeric material so as to facilitate printing but has a metallic portion exposed in this elastomeric material for including identification markings. A locking mechanism is also provided so that the indicia plate cannot be removed from the postage meter without complete disassembly of the latter.

Abstract: An electrostatic copier having a control system wherein switches are used to detect conditions that would lead to paper jams. Such jams could result from sheets that are too short to be conveyed or as a result of overlong originals being copied during a copy cycle of an electrostatic copier of the coated paper type having an automatic document feeder. Circuitry is provided to re-sequence the system if copy paper is in transmit at the time of a power failure and the copy paper is located in a position that would result in a jam or an overlong copy sheet if the copier were to operate from a start mode.

Abstract: An improved agitating device in a developing apparatus for use in an electrophotocopying machine, wherein the developing apparatus includes a sump for holding a two-component developing material made up of a marking constituent and a magnetic carrier constituent, and a hopper for holding and dispensing the marking constituent to the sump. The improved agitating device agitates the marking constituent held in the hopper, and includes a straight section of wire rotatable through the marking constituent in the hopper, and a compression spring surrounding and hanging on the straight section of wire.

Abstract: A bursting apparatus for separating sheets in a continuous intermittently perforated form web is disclosed. The apparatus includes a feed roller, a burst roller and a bursting device, said bursting device disposed between said feed roller and said burst roller and comprising two horizontally positioned cone sections wherein their base portions are adjacent to each other and are encircled at least in part by a bursting ring, said bursting ring having a portion extending beyond said cone base portions in at least a portion of its outer periphery.

Abstract: This invention relates to circuitry for non-impact printers that use light emitting diodes (LED's) to produce an image on a photoconductor and for controlling the output of each LED of a light emitting diode array that is part of the printer. A binary weighted duty cycle control is used to obtain substantial uniformity in the light emitted from each LED. The binary cycle is time related so that through use of a four-bit code, sixteen outputs are available which yield sixteen periods during which an LED may be enabled.