Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include hybrid ink delivery systems which allow a flexible arrangement of free ink supplies to be connected to multiple printhead assemblies, while preventing printhead deprime or drooling during setup, and provide control and verification of ink supply replacement through the use of integral memory components on the in supplies.

Abstract: A postage meter indicia verification apparatus and method includes, in a postage meter system for printing postage indicia, a postage meter device with a print head for printing postage indicia on media. A sensor is connected to the postage meter device for determining the presence of postage indicia printed on the media by the print head. A control device is connected to the postage meter device for controlling the operation of the postage meter device in accordance with the results of the sensor determination.

Abstract: A postage meter indicia verification apparatus and method includes, in a postage meter system for printing postage indicia, a postage meter device with a print head for printing postage indicia on media. A sensor is connected to the postage meter device for determining the presence of postage indicia printed on the media by the print head. A control device is connected to the postage meter device for controlling the operation of the postage meter device in accordance with the results of the sensor determination.

Abstract: A system for paying for a postage amount for an item includes a card interface and a processing system. The card interface receives account information for an account from a postage payment card and transfers the account information to a processing system. The processing system determines the postage amount for the item. The processing system then generates and transmits a charge instruction to charge the postage amount to the account based on the account information. The processing system also generates and transmits a print instruction to print postage indicia on the item.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating negotiable items includes, in a system including a network of a governing authority and at least one remote printer, a secure indicia authorized by the governing authority. A preprinted form, authorized by the governing authority, transformable into a negotiable item upon the application of the secure indicia at the remote printer is provided. Further, a database, controlled by the governing authority, for issuing the secure indicia and the preprinted form and accounting for the use of each at the at least one remote printer oversees the creation of the negotiable item.