Abstract: A postage evidencing system for tracking postage amounts for multiple users comprising at least two register set partitions is disclosed. Each of the partitions includes an ascending register holding a number representing a value of postage that can be evidenced by the device, a descending register holding a number representing a value of postage that has been previously evidenced by the device, and an identification representing a source of mail pieces that are evidenced with postage from the partition. A security module limits access to the partitions and registers. The identifier for a selected partition is printed on mail pieces as part of an Information Based Indicia (IBI) to identify the source of the mail pieces.

Abstract: A postage evidencing meter system is disclosed. The system comprises an authorization database for storing parameters for at least one user, wherein the parameters limit the at least one user's ability to evidence postage using the meter. The parameters include a maximum postage amount that the at least one user is allowed to use on the meter to evidence postage. The parameters may alternatively or also include a period of time during which the user is allowed to use the meter to evidence postage or a maximum amount of postage that can be used during a period of time. The postage evidencing meter further comprises a user interface, a printer, and a security module. In alternative embodiments, the authorization database is stored on a removable storage device and/or is coupled to the meter via a communication link to a remote postage information system.

Abstract: A system and method for high-speed processing of mail pieces is disclosed. The high-speed system includes a conveyor system for transferring mail pieces among two or more mail processing components and a controller for directing the operations of the components. A postage computing device calculates the postage value due for each mail piece. A postage application printer prints postage information, such as Information-Based Indicia (IBI), on the mail pieces that are being moved by the conveyor system. A computer processing system stores information related to the processing of each mail piece and provides the controller with the processing information.

Abstract: A system and method for applying postage indicia to mail pieces using a controller for monitoring the mail pieces as they are processed by the system. The controller has information about each of the mail pieces. A postage evidencing system prints postage indicia on labels to create postage indicia to be applied to the mail pieces, wherein each of the postage indicia is associated with a particular mail piece and corresponds to a postage amount that is calculated using the information for the particular mail piece. An applicator applies the postage indicia to mail pieces.

Abstract: A postage evidencing meter system is disclosed. The system comprises an authorization database for storing parameters for at least one user, wherein the parameters limit the at least one user's ability to evidence postage using the meter. The parameters include a maximum postage amount that the at least one user is allowed to use on the meter to evidence postage. The parameters may alternatively or also include a period of time during which the user is allowed to use the meter to evidence postage or a maximum amount of postage that can be used during a period of time. The postage evidencing meter further comprises a user interface, a printer, and a security module. In alternative embodiments, the authorization database is stored on a removable storage device and/or is coupled to the meter via a communication link to a remote postage information system.

Abstract: A postage evidencing meter system is disclosed. The system comprises an authorization database for storing parameters for at least one user, wherein the parameters limit the at least one user's ability to evidence postage using the meter. The parameters include a maximum postage amount that the at least one user is allowed to use on the meter to evidence postage. The parameters may alternatively or also include a period of time during which the user is allowed to use the meter to evidence postage or a maximum amount of postage that can be used during a period of time. The postage evidencing meter further comprises a user interface, a printer, and a security module. In alternative embodiments, the authorization database is stored on a removable storage device and/or is coupled to the meter via a communication link to a remote postage information system.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a method for handling printing errors in a computer-based postage system, the method comprising: assigning an identifier to a particular mail piece wherein said identifier uniquely identifies the particular mail piece during a particular period of time and wherein said unique mail piece identifier is related to a particular mailer; generating for printing a representation of a postage indicium for the particular mail piece and a representation of the unique mail piece identifier; and recognizing an indication that an error occurred in a printing of at least one of the postage indicium or the representation of the unique mail piece identifier.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for creating computer-based postage that may be used on any date and with an undetermined addressee includes generating a request to print postage, determining the means for generating the request, determining the master serial number for label stock, tracking the master serial number and printing the postage. The present invention provides for the creation of computer-based postage that may be used in a manner similar to standard postage issued by the USPS. In a presently preferred embodiment, the intended address of the recipient need not be verified at the time the postage is created. Rather the postage may be used at any time in the future with any recipient.

Abstract: A system for assisting a user with the proper feeding of sheets of labels into a printer so that the labels may be properly printed with postage indicia. The system providing a sheet bearing pre-printed labels for further printing with postage indicia, the sheet having a target marker located thereon. Further provided is an interactive computer software that guides a user to feed a sheet of labels into the printer, directs the printer to print an indication mark on the sheet of labels, and queries the user as to where an indication mark appears on the sheet of labels. The invention further provides a sheet bearing pre-printed labels for further printing with postage indicia, having an area where a plurality of self-stick labels are located, wherein each label is pre-printed with a serial number, and a perimeter margin area having a target marker located thereon.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a way for low-volume mailers to track individual outbound mail pieces, including tracking of individual U.S. Postal Service FIRST-CLASS MAIL® letters. The exemplary embodiment of the present invention encodes a unique mail piece tracking identifier as a CONFIRM® service identifier in a graphic symbology. The unique mail piece tracking identifier of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention conforms with requirements of a CONFIRM® service identifier, while at the same time, provides, for a defined period of time, mail-piece-level uniqueness for first class and other mail class mail piece tracking.

Abstract: The present invention provides special purpose label arrangement sets for use with computer-based postage systems to facilitate mailing tracking, sheets of such label arrangement sets, and methods for printing such label arrangement sets.

Abstract: A system and method for high-speed processing of mail pieces is disclosed. The high-speed system includes a conveyor system for transferring mail pieces among two or more mail processing components and a controller for directing the operations of the components. A postage computing device calculates the postage value due for each mail piece. A postage application printer prints postage information, such as Information-Based Indicia (IBI), on the mail pieces that are being moved by the conveyor system. A computer processing system stores information related to the processing of each mail piece and provides the controller with the processing information.

Abstract: A system and method for printing postage on a local postage evidencing device using a remote postage account comprising a local postage evidencing device having a local postage account, at least one remote postage evidencing system having one or more remote postage accounts, and a communication link between the local postage evidencing device and the at least one remote postage evidencing device, wherein postage value is transferred via the communication link to allow users to print postage on the local postage evidencing device.

Abstract: A system for assisting a user with the proper feeding of sheets of labels into a printer so that the labels may be properly printed with postage indicia. The system providing a sheet bearing pre-printed labels for further printing with postage indicia, the sheet having a target marker located thereon. Further provided is an interactive computer software that guides a user to feed a sheet of labels into the printer, directs the printer to print an indication mark on the sheet of labels, and queries the user as to where an indication mark appears on the sheet of labels. The invention further provides a sheet bearing pre-printed labels for further printing with postage indicia, having an area where a plurality of self-stick labels are located, wherein each label is pre-printed with a serial number, and a perimeter margin area having a target marker located thereon.