Abstract: In a postage meter system (FIG. 2), a user enters information,indicative of a batch of mail pieces to be franked (30). The mail pieces are franked(31), and when the batch is completed, data relating to the batch are made the subject of a cryptographic engine(33). The data digitally signed, or a message authentication code (MAC) is derived, all in a postal security device (PSD)(32). The data are communicated(34), preferably by means of public-key cryptography(35). These data are then made available to the postal authority in a secure way.

Abstract: In an arrangement for accounting for consumption of a resource, e.g., utilization of a postal service or utilities, a data center (503, 803) periodically communicates with multiple franking systems (100, 505-1, 505-2, 505-n) dispensing postage for the postal service utilization. The data center (503, 803) receives transaction records (301, 303, 305, 307, 309), where a transaction record (301, 303, 305, 307, 309) is associated with each transaction performed by the franking system (100, 505-1, 505-2, 505-n) in each period. Each record (301, 303, 305, 307, 309) includes at least the postage dispensed (305) in the associated franking transaction, and an ascending register value (307) indicating the cumulative postage dispensed. Using the received records (301, 303, 305, 307, 309), the data center (503, 803) assesses the charges during the period and causes assessed charges to be charged to an account associated with the franking system (100, 505-1, 505-2, 505-n).

Abstract: A franking machine control panel and its associated method provide users with touch screen displays in which the main screens contain history tabs. When a history tab is pressed, the display reverts to the previous status of the category of interest, and allows the user to make changes if desired. In the preferred embodiment, the history tabs allow users to view and modify information which is mandatory to the franking process, such as the mail class and postage rates. Another aspect of the present invention allows the user to configure the more actively used buttons of touch screen on one side or the other, depending on the dominant side of the user's body.

Abstract: An improved system is provided for authentication of mail pieces bearing bar-coded indicia. The system comprises first and second bar-code readers, the first and second bar-code readers differing in that the first bar-code reader has a lower rate of successful reading of bar-coded indicia than the second bar-code reader. The system collates a mail piece bearing an indicium in a second paper path in the event of a successful reading of the bar-coded indicium by said first bar-code reader, and collates mail pieces in a third paper path in the event of an unsuccessful reading of the bar-coded indicium by the first bar-code reader. The third paper path leads to the second bar-code reader, and the system collates mail pieces in a fourth paper path in the event of a successful reading of the bar-coded indicium by the second bar-code reader. The system collates mail pieces in a fifth paper path in the event of an unsuccessful reading of the bar-coded indicium by the second bar-code reader.

Abstract: An improved system for protecting cryptographic processing and memory for postal franking machines. Appropriate cryptographic processing and memory resources are contained in a Postal Security Device (PSD), which defines a cryptographic and physical boundary. Cryptographic processing occurs in the PSD, which provides security to these resources, thereby minimizing a successful fraudulent attack on the system. Speed of the cryptographic processing is also increased. The PSD may be in the form of an Applications Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) or Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) Card.

Abstract: In the system of the invention, a user provides inputs at a user interface (51). The user's inputs relate to the expected type of delivery (2, 3, 4, 5, 6). Alternatively, the system may already have information stored as to the type of delivery (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) to be used with particular correspondents. Based on the type of delivery (2, 3, 4, 5, 6), the system (50, 52, 53, 54, 55) determines for each item of correspondence, whether the delivery will be by physical delivery of a printed document (2, 3, 4), by fax (5) or by e-mail (6). The system (50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55) further determines for each item of correspondence, which is to be delivered by physical delivery a printed document (2, 3, 4), whether an envelope (10, 11) is required and if the address information is to be printed on the envelope or on a label (12) that is to be applied to the envelope.

Abstract: An improved system for providing early warning preemptive postal equipment replacement. Selected performance parameters the postal equipment are monitored and compared against predetermined operational boundaries. The system is capable of providing for variability in the performance parameters, wherein these parameters may be permitted to vary over time and usage of the equipment. The monitoring gives an indication of the overall system performance. If the system performance goes outside of operational boundaries, or changes significantly over time, replacement of the equipment can then be scheduled with minimal inconvenience to the customer.

Abstract: A postal security device has a secure housing within which are two or more accounting register sets. The accounting register sets are associated with distinct meter licenses. The postal security device can also store a single accounting register set, but is able to transfer the cryptographically signed register set to a nonsecure store such as the hard drive of a personal computer, the register set having been cryptographically signed. The register set may be retrieved from the nonsecure store and cryptographically authenticated, and restored to its location within the secure housing of postal security device. The postal security may provide service under more than one distinct meter license. The single meter license can also be associated with more than one postal security device, each with its own secure housing.

Abstract: A feeder/separator apparatus for separating and moving sheets from a stack of sheets is described. The feeder/separator includes an input area for positioning the stack of sheets; a first and second series of rollers for jointly feeding a sheet on the bottom of the stack into an area of the apparatus including a third and forth series of rollers and a first series of belts; a pre-separation brake adapted to act in a pivoting pattern only on the first series of belts to cause a first stage separation of the bottom sheet; a separation brake adapted to act in a linear pattern only on the fourth series of rollers to cause a second stage separation of the bottom sheet, the pre-separation and separation brakes permitting the bottom sheets to be separated from the stack; and a fifth series of rollers and a second series of belts both being adapted to feed the bottom sheets away from the feeder/separator apparatus in a sheet feed path.

Abstract: A tape feed for a postage meter which uses the envelope transport system of the postage meter to feed a tape from a tape receptacle into the path of the envelope feed system. The tape receptacle is pivotally mounted adjacent one of the belts of the envelope transport system. A solenoid is connected to the tape receptacle through a cam pin and cam slot arrangement for providing the pivotal movement. When the solenoid is energized, the tape receptacle is pivoted into a position wherein the belt extends into a slot in the receptacle and grips a tape to discharge a tape from the receptacle and feed it into the envelope transport system. When the solenoid is de-energized, the solenoid pivots the receptacle into a position wherein the tapes in the receptacle are out of contact with the belt. A sensor is provided to de-energize the solenoid when the belt moves the leading edge of the tape into gripping relationship by the envelope transport system.

Abstract: A mechanism for freeing document jams in a machine that transports documents, the machine including a housing having an interior portion and a pivotable cover adapted to permit easy access to the interior portion of the machine housing, the cover pivoting from a closed and locked position to an open and locked position and being spring biased is described.

Abstract: Computer-based products such as postal security devices are manufactured as generic, nondescript units. Each has a unique identifier or embedded hardware serial number readable by data communications such as serial electrical communications. At customization time, a human-readable marking is placed on the device, along with a bar code indicative of the human-readable marking. A bar-code reader reads the bar code. The embedded hardware serial number is read. A record is made in a database indicative of the embedded hardware serial number and the bar code information. Software may then be selected based on the bar code information, and loaded into the device, typically within a cryptographically secure area within the device. At a later time the device may be retired from service and reprogrammed, in which case a new human-readable marking and bar code are affixed to the device. The embedded hardware serial number and new bar code information are read and appropriate new data records are created.

Abstract: A system for easy opening of sealed packages. The system comprises a tape dispensing apparatus, and a tape. The tape dispensing apparatus has a cutter therein. The tape is used for sealing a seam of a package. The tape is sized and shaped for being dispensed from the tape dispensing apparatus. The tape dispensed from the dispensing apparatus has a predetermined length cut by the cutter. The predetermined length of tape has a first side with a self-adhesive section for attaching the predetermined length of tape to the package. The predetermined length of tape also includes a non-adhesive section, and a ribbon disposed on the first side of the tape section. The predetermined length of tape has a tear strip defined by the ribbon, and non-adhesive section of the first side together. The tear strip extends longitudinally along the predetermined length of tape. The tear strip ends in a pull tab for pulling the tear strip open and opening the predetermined length of tape attached to the package.

Abstract: In one preferred embodiment, an automatic measuring and material length control device, including: apparatus for measuring length of an article to which a material is to applied, the apparatus for measuring being able to measure the length without contacting the article; and apparatus for receiving from the apparatus for measuring a signal representative of the length and determining a length of the material to be dispensed and providing a control signal to a dispenser of the material to dispense the length of the material.

Abstract: A postal meter mail piece feeder comprising a hopper section, a singulating section and a mail piece turner. The hopper section comprises a bottom mail piece support deck for supporting mail pieces thereon, a rear wall having a mail piece drive for contacting and moving the mail pieces along the support deck, and a front stop for biasing the mail pieces towards the rear wall. The singulating section is downstream from the hopper section and comprises a retard drive and a sensor connected to the retard drive. The mail piece turner is downstream from the singulating section and comprises a turning surface for turning the mail pieces about 90° from the singulating section for entry into a postage applying section of a postage meter.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to printing bar codes and other indicia on articles, and relates specifically to printing postage on mail pieces by means of ink-jet printing on the adhesive side of transparent adhesive tape.

Abstract: An improved system for identifying the user of postal equipment. A user provides identifying information, and if access is not appropriate based on that information, an additional comparison is performed before access is denied. This permits the user to select the identifying information needed for access from a set of predefined information, thereby permitting the user to change identifying information needed for access in the event the information has been or is suspected of having been compromised. Additional security may also be obtained by requiring the user to supply additional identifying information randomly selected from a predetermined set after valid first identifying information has been entered. Identifying information supplied by the user may include personal digital data, such as a digital fingerprint or retina eye scan.

Abstract: In a mailpiece stacking system, a pressure pad is used to direct incoming mailpieces from a mailing machine used with the system onto a feed deck, where the mailpieces are stacked against a stacking wall in the system. To properly handle mailpieces including window envelopes, the length of the pressure pad is selected in accordance with the invention such that it effectively deflects each mailpiece to land beyond the window part of any window envelope preceding thereto on the feed deck. Advantageously, the risk of having the mailpiece getting caught by an edge of the window part, resulting in a congestion, is avoided. In addition, among other things, a catch nub is included in the pressure pad for hooking onto a stub shaft mounted on the frame of the system. The nub hooks onto the stub shaft when the pressure pad is raised to allow it to stay in the raised position.