Abstract: A postage meter prints postage indicia onto envelopes using extendible segments. The postage meter includes a user interface for entering input information, a transfer means having extendible segments disposed thereon, the segments being arranged to form the postage indicia when extended, and an ink roller, which contacts extended ones of the segments so as to transfer ink from the ink roller to the extended ones of the segments. Also included in the postage meter are a sensor, which senses an envelope in the postage meter, and which outputs a signal which indicates that an envelope is present in the postage meter, and a controller.

Abstract: A postage meter includes a keyboard for inputting postage information, a memory for storing the input postage information, a programmable read-only memory for storing standard postage indicia information, a dot matrix printer, the dot matrix printer comprising a staggered arrangement of a plurality of dot matrix printheads, and a controller which 1) retrieves the input postage information and the standard postage indicia, 2) combines the input postage information and the standard postage indicia information to form a postage indicia to be printed, 3) divides the formed postage indicia into equal portions wherein the formed postage indicia is divided by a number of the dot matrix printheads in the dot matrix printer, 4) routes divided portions to each of a plurality of dot matrix printheads, and 5) instructs each of the dot matrix printheads to print its portion of the divided postage indicia at a specific time such that upon completing the printing of the divided portion, a complete postage indicia is printed

Abstract: An improved platform for scales used to weigh parcels and envelopes for shipping has a hoop-shaped wire bail having at both rear end portions thereof a short, laterally inwardly projecting pivot leg. The pivot legs are axially aligned, and are pivotably attached to the platform in a manner permitting the bail to be pivoted upward and rearward from a position in which the plane of the bail lies below the surface of the platform, to an upright position in which envelopes placed on the platform may be leaned rearward against the bail, thus covering less of the platform and improving the viewability of a weight indicator located below the platform. Stop lugs in the platform located rearward of the pivot legs limit rearward motion of the bail to a position in which the plane of the bail is inclined slightly rearward of a plane perpendicular to the platform.