Abstract: A customized modular mailing system including a module capable of metering value and having a plurality of disabled operating features that are not available for use is described. The system includes the ability for generating an authorization code for disabling certain designed operating features; and for entering the authorization code into the value metering module whereby the desired combination of operating modules having the desired operating features could be placed in communication with the metering value module to create a desired modular mailing system.

Abstract: A franking machine has an easily removable module. The module can comprise a flash memory for rapid updating when postal rates change. A RAM can also be used for additional data storage.

Abstract: A method and system for outputting and reproducing information representing a digital image alleviates system bus bottlenecks by downloading image information from the RAM to an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), download controlled by the ASIC, and allowing the ASIC to directly interface with and directly control the operation of an output device. The ASIC and the output device are directly connected thereto via a dedicated bus. While the ASIC downloading image information from the RAM, the system processor performs calculations needed for certain portions of the image prior to output and reproduction. In the preferred embodiment, the system is a franking machine, and the output device is an ink jet printer wherein the print heads directly interface with the ASIC.

Abstract: A postage meter has an improved means of monitoring the position of the cover providing access to the print rotor. A mechanical latch and associated mechanism is provided responsive to a cam on the print rotor and responsive to the movement of the cover, and the mechanism has an electrical sensor output to the processor of the postage meter. In the event that the cover is opened at a time when the rotor is away from its home position, for example at a time when the power to the meter has failed, the latch enters a latched state. Upon the restoration of power the meter determines if the rotor is away from its home position, and if it is, the meter inspects the sensor output to determine if the latch has been caused to enter its latched state. This condition is annunciated, for example by rendering the meter incapable of printing postage.

Abstract: A postage meter has a secure housing, an accounting register within the secure housing, and a print rotor the rotation of which defines a paper path. The rotor axle is formed of two halves, and within the two haves is a lengthwise cavity along which setting racks are capable of axial movement. The racks engage with print wheels at one end and are accessible to the main body of the postage meter at the other end. Each rack engages with its value wheel in a rack-and-pinion engagement. The axle halves are made of plastic and they snap together. The racks slide within grooves, and are held in place with pins. The axle has journal bearings and a thrust bearing defining its movement relative to the secure housing. A worm gear in the housing engages a worm wheel in the rotor to bring about rotation of the rotor for the printing of postage.

Abstract: A computer system for protecting memory comprising a processor having address outputs and executing a stored program, a memory having a control input, an address-decoder for providing a control signal to the control input of the memory in response to associated address outputs from the processor, and a window circuit. The window circuit comprises a range detector responsive to the address outputs for generating a range-detection signal indicative of an address from the processor being within a protected range, the protected range non-identical to the entirety of the space of addresses within the memory. Access to memory locations within the protected range is permitted only if a request signal is received from the processor. If the request signal is asserted for an unexpectedly long time an error condition is annunciated, for example the processor is reset.

Abstract: A self-contained postage meter does not have a base separable from a main body. The single secure housing contains everything that would be in the main body of a prior art postage meter and everything that would be in a prior art meter base. Despite containing all these things, the single secure housing is small enough and light enough in weight to permit the entire meter to be readily transported to the post office for inspection or resetting. Within the single secure housing are the print rotor with value wheels, all the mechanisms for setting the print wheels, the descending and/or ascending register and associated microprocessor, and all the mechanisms for transport of the mail piece through the meter. Only a handful of controlled elements are required, chiefly a single inexpensive DC motor for franking and value wheel setting and a few electromagnets.

Abstract: A rotor movement sensing system in a postage meter permits detection of the printing of postage even if power is lost during the printing cycle. A sensor senses a magnet on a disk when the rotor is substantially past its home position. A second sensor has a magnetic memory element. When the magnet on the disk passes near the memory element, that element is magnetized. A Hall-effect sensor at the memory element provides an interrupt to a processor to indicate magnetization of the memory element. A winding is provided around the memory element. The processor has an output which, when asserted, causes current flow through the winding, demagnetizing the memory element. Alternatively a reed switch senses rotor rotation, a flip-flop provides a bistable latch and its output provides a datum for the processor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a circuit for controlling the load of an asynchronous motor (11), the circuit comprising two capacitors (19, 20), one of which (20) can be connected, by means of a switch (70), in parallel with the other (19). Control is provided by a current sensor (30) and a voltage sensor (40), whose signals (S.sub.1, S.sub.2) are compared by a comparator (25). Depending on the relative size of the signals (S.sub.1, S.sub.2) a switch control unit (60) with relaxation hysteresis characteristics switches the switch (70) on or off. The circuit is simple, operates independently of the mains voltage (U) being used and its switch point can be adjusted by means of the current sensor (30).

Abstract: The device includes a side wall (13), which leaves open a slot (15) of a variable width relative to a support (11). The flaps of letter envelopes are inserted into the slot (15) angled at 90 degrees, where the letter envelopes rest in a stack on the support (11) and are maintained on their side by the side wall (13). Three sensors (36, 38, 39) serve to provide signals for a motor control of the position of the side wall. The side wall can be manually moved against the force of a spring (26).