Abstract: A device for folding over the flaps of envelopes received separately with the flap open at the entry to a guide path comprises a feed system for moving the envelopes along the guide path and a deflector system for folding the flaps of the envelopes over from an open position to a closed position. The deflector system comprises first and second pulley wheels with parallel rotation axes disposed with respect to the entry to the guide path and one on each side of this path so as to receive the envelopes between them. The first pulley wheel faces towards the front of the envelopes and has a stepped peripheral surface formed by a cylindrical first portion adapted to bear on at least that portion of each envelope adjoining the flap and a frustoconical second portion running on from this first portion and widening towards the flaps of the envelopes.

Abstract: A franking machine comprising a microprocessor (5), control memories (6, 7) and a working memory (8), together with at least one first non-volatile memory (9) for recording the meters of the machine, said memory being a machine state memory, characterized in that it further includes a second non-volatile memory (10) for recording at defined time intervals successive machine state trails in a plurality of compartments, said trail memory being updated and consulted under the control of the control memories (6, 7). The machine state trail can thus be consulted and optionally printed out.

Abstract: The machine comprises a 16-key keyboard (1), an alpha-numeric display (2), a calendar clock (3), a microprocessor (4), a program memory (5), a text memory (6), and a working memory (7), interconnected by a bus (B). A first set of messages enables normal franking operations to be performed, and a second set of messages which are accessible by means of a menu key (M) on the keyboard enable special operations to be performed. The messages are stored in the text memory, with each message being constituted by screens each of which has the same capacity as the display. Each screen is transferred from the text memory to the working memory prior to being displayed. Each message is controlled by the microprocessor which runs a program relating to each message. All of the programs are stored in the program memory.

Abstract: An electronic franking machine uses a first set of messages for normal franking operations and a second set of messages for special operations. The first set of messages includes a "ceiling value exceeded" message, with franking at a value greater than the ceiling value requiring an additional operator action (confirmation), and a "limit value exceeded" message which prevents any franking at a value greater than the limit value. The second set of messages includes a "change of ceiling value" message and a "change of limit value" message, with these two messages enabling the operator to set the ceiling value and the limit value independently, and to change them if so desired, by means of the machine's keyboard.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit for coupling volatile memories to a microprocessor or to a test tool having a test connector suitable for connection to a second complementary connector which is connected to the links between the memories and the microprocessor. The circuit is characterized in that the second connector (17) is mounted as a terminal connector on the links going to the memories (11, 12), and in that it further includes a third connector (18) mounted as a terminal connector on the links going to the microprocessor (13), together with a removable connection circuit (20) for providing connections between said second and third connectors. The invention is particularly suitable for a franking machine.

Abstract: A franking machine comprises a plurality of auxiliary meters designated by name and stored in alphabetical order of meter name in a Meter space of a battery backed-up working memory. Each meter comprises a service zone, a name zone, a date zone, a money meter zone, and a piece count meter zone. A meter is found by scanning through meter names. A meter is created by entering a name, and by storing a meter in the Meter space. This takes place by finding the appropriate alphabetical position for the new meter in the Meter space, and then shifting all subsequent meters in said space to make room for the new meter. A meter is closed by shifting all meters following the meter being closed down one place in the Meter space, starting with the meter immediately following the meter to be closed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a franking machine comprising a keyboard (1), a display (2), a calendar clock (3), a microprocessor (4), a program memory (5), a text memory (6), and a working memory (7), interconnected by a bus (B). Messages enabling normal franking operations and special operations are provided in the text memory, and each message has a corresponding program in the program memory. The machine includes an operator-warning alarm buzzer (8) operated by the message program whenever the message is a warning message. Alarm indications contained in the program are loaded into the working memory (7) which is read cyclically by a specific audible alarm program.

Abstract: A machine for franking short labels or long labels cut from a continuous tape is characterized in that it includes a first pair of detector cells (20-21) for positioning the tape relative to a cutter (6) for obtaining a short length of label, and a second pair of detector cells (22-23) for positioning the tape relative to the cutter for obtaining a long length of label, and for presenting the label, be it short or long, beneath the print drum (3), said second pair of detector cells being mounted offset from the drum and from the tape path and being controlled by a shutter tab (42) which is fixed to a pivoting lever (25) having a tooth or feeler (39) which is retracted by the tape or a label arriving beneath the drum.

Abstract: The machine of franking labels includes means (5, 7) for ejecting printed labels to a dry label outlet (8), a switching flap (12) for switching labels towards a second outlet for wet labels (9), said flap being mounted to pivot on the axis of pressure wheels (7) belonging to the ejector means, and a moistening roll (23) mounted between the ejector means and the second outlet and driven at a speed greater than that of the ejector means in order to receive and wipe the labels which are deflected towards the second outlet, said labels engaging the moistening roll beneath a separator plate (10) between the outlets.

Abstract: A device for inserting bundles into envelopes comprises a table fastened to a drive carriage for receiving the bundle and inserted with it into the envelope. A pair of retractable pusher fingers on support arms fastened to the carriage push the bundle on the table during the forward stroke of the carriage and retract during the return stroke of the carriage. The device is usable in automatic mail processing systems.