Abstract: System and method for printing indicia on mailing items, such as envelopes, cards, or label media, has a host computer system connected to a postal security device. The postal security device stores postage funds and, responsive to the host computer postage requests, provides data to the host computer representing an IBI Lite barcode having at least part of a unique authentication code. The host computer utilizes such data to produce print data representing postage indicia, and send such print data to one of a mailing machine, stand-alone printer, or printing system, for printing on a mailing item to be associated with the authentication code. A plurality of host computer systems each with their respective PSD may be provided. A reset computer system can communicate with each PSD, via their respective host computer, to provide additional postage funds and to receive information representing transaction data stored in the host computer.

Abstract: Shape based postage rate criteria as to whether a postage item (an envelope) is greater than certain thicknesses above which the rate of postage of the item changes is provided by a gauge utilizing the platform of a scale on which the item is weighed. A roller is pivotally mounted on an arm so as to be set at heights over the platform at which the postage rate changes, for example, for envelopes ¼? thick and for envelopes ¾? thick, the envelope is then slid between the roller and the weighing platform. A display operated by the scale reads a weight change if the envelope is above the thickness at which the roller is set. Accordingly, the shape of the postage item provides a direct indication of whether the envelope satisfies postage rate criteria established by the postal authorities.

Abstract: Mail sorting apparatus feeds mail items past a printing postage meter into a hopper from which the items are dropped successively into sorting bins which revolve along a circular path. Collection bins, also disposed along the circular path below the sorting bins, for different categories of mail are open at the top to receive the mail from the sorting bins. When a sorting bin carrying a mail item revolves to a position where it is in alignment with the collection bin for that item, the sorting bin is opened and the item dropped into its collection bin. The size of the item is measured at an input station. The opening of the sorting bin is carried out under computer control in response to data entered at the input station. The postage meter is movable mounted and located in response to the size of the item so that the postal indicia are printed in the proper location on the item in the course of feeding thereof into the hopper.