Abstract: A system and method include means for processing a cryptographic certificate adapted to provide security functionality. A register means is provided and means for adjusting the register means to account for services when the cryptographic certificate is processed. In accordance with anther aspect, a system and method include a register means for storing funds. Means are provided for processing a digital token providing proof of postage payment and means are also provided for processing a cryptographic certificate adapted to provide security functionality. Means debit funds stored in the register means when the digital token is processed and when the cryptographic certificate is processed. Processing the cryptographic certificate may involve many functions such as providing security services and/or certificate management functions (including generating and verifying cryptographic certificates) and/or key management functions and/or access to any needed private keys to perform security services.

Abstract: System and method for securely backing up and reliably retrieving vault data in a metering system that includes a host processor operatively coupled to a vault. Whenever a transaction is completed by the vault, the vault cryptographically signs the vault data, including ascending register, descending register and piece count and sends the cryptographically signed vault data to the host processor where it is stored in a data file assigned to the vault. Each storage of the cryptographically signed vault data is indexed to create a historical log of vault transactions. If the vault is lost or damaged so that vault data cannot be retrieved from the vault, the cryptographically signed vault data is retrieved from the host processor data file and verified.

Abstract: A method of issuing digital tokens in a open system meter includes the steps of sending a request for digital tokens and predetermined postal information, including addressee information, from a host processor to a vault that is operatively coupled to the host processor; calculating in the vault in response to the request for tokens at least one digital token using the predetermined postal information; debiting postal funds in the vault; issuing the digital token to the host processor; and storing the digital token and the predetermined postal information as a transaction record in the host processor for subsequent generation and printing of an indicia. The method further includes the steps of generating in the host processor an indicia comprising a graphical image of the digital token and the predetermined postal information and storing the indicia in the host processor; and printing the indicia on a mailpiece when requested.

Abstract: A system and method of managing multiple users of an open metering system, wherein the users have different access privileges, includes the steps of providing a user password system for vault access; programing the vault with a plurality of transition states operatively relating to the user password system; assigning vault functional access to each user password first entered into the user password system; and performing a requested vault function when an entered user password under which the request is made has been assigned vault functional access for the requested vault function. The vault is manufactured in a first state in which the user password system is not activated and the activates the user password system upon entry of an initial user password which changes the vault to a second state that accepts requests for vault functions.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing transaction evidencing devices, such as digital postage meters, includes the steps of generating a master key in a logical security domain of a Key Management System; installing the master key into a digital postage meter; verifying the installation of the master key; and registering the master key to a logical security sub-domain in the Key Management System. The step of generating the master key further includes the steps of generating a domain; generating at least one sub-domain; installing the domain in secure boxes of the Key Management System; generating a master key and test token within the domain; and recording the master key in the domain archive. The step of installing the master key further includes the steps of installing the master key into a digital meter; and associating the master key with a unique device identifier.

Abstract: A method is provided for inhibiting the generation of digital tokens in an open metering system that includes a host processor and a vault. The method includes the steps of generating in the host processor a first digital token request that corresponds to a first destination identifier and a first postage amount; determining in the host processor if one of the first destination identifier and the first postage amount is different than a prior destination identifier and a prior postage mount, respectively, that correspond to an immediately preceding digital token request; sending the first digital token request to the vault when the first destination identifier and the first postage amount are different than the prior destination identifier and the prior postage amount, respectively; and rejecting the first digital token request when the first destination identifier and the first postage amount are the same as the prior destination identifier and the prior postage amount, respectively.

Abstract: A super password is a one time use password that is issued to a user for the singular purpose of reinitializing the user password system for a meter. When the meter is manufactured, the meter and the Data Center share secret data such that they can execute a predefined and identical algorithm for secure communication. Through such secure communications, the Data Center can authenticate a metering system, and the metering system can accept a predefined command from the Data Center securely. Counters are used as data to encrypt. One counter is used for the one way communication from the meter to the data center and counts the number of times that the meter issues a one time authentication code. Another counter is used for the one way communication from the Data Center to the meter and counts the number of times that the Data Center issues a one time super password. The counters are used for two purposes: as data to be encrypted and to confirm the delivery of secure codes between the Data Center and the meter.

Abstract: A cost-effective motion control system communication architecture is provided that supports a centralized control node, distributed control nodes, and smart I/O peripheral control nodes. Networks designed using this architecture, which employs a serial bus, may be readily modified or expanded. The architecture supports both real-time highly periodic communications and event-driven peer-to-peer communications.

Abstract: A cost-effective motion control system communication architecture is provided that supports a centralized control node, distributed control nodes, and smart I/O peripheral control nodes. Networks designed using this architecture, which employs a serial bus, may be readily modified or expanded. The architecture supports both real-time highly periodic communications and event-driven peer-to-peer communications.

Abstract: A cost-effective motion control system communication architecture is provided that supports a centralized control node, distributed control nodes, and smart I/O peripheral control nodes. Networks designed using this architecture, which employs a serial bus, may be readily modified or expanded. The architecture supports both real-time highly periodic communications and event-driven peer-to-peer communications.

Abstract: A printing mechanism sub-module for postage meters of the flat-bed type includes a meter housing with a print meter slogan aperture. A first and second print element each includes a plurality of radially locatable print faces around the center of the respective print elements. A first and second brackets is mounted to the internal of the meter housing and a shaft is rotatively mounted between the first and second brackets having a first and second shaft section. The first printing element is mounted radially around the first shaft section such rotation of the shaft causing corresponding rotation of the first printing element. The second printing element is rotatively mounted around the second shaft section such that the second printing element may be rotatively positioned independently of the shaft position. A first gear fixably mounted around the shaft. A second print element has a second gear formed at one end and aligned opposite the first gear.

Abstract: A communication network is comprised of a first, second, third and fourth controller node in line communication. Each controller node includes a microprocessor. Each microprocessor is programmable to respond to and generate data message bytes, each data byte having one start bit, eight data bits, one programmably settable bit and one stop bit. Each microprocessor is further programmable to respond only to a unique address-command data message byte from a message source node. The address-command byte is recognized because the settable bit is set. Each microprocessor is programmed to generate a reply message byte with the ninth bit not set and to then receive from the source node a message count byte followed uninterrupted by the data message bytes. Upon receiving a complete data message conforming to the received count of the count byte, the microprocessor then generates an acknowledgement byte.

Abstract: The communication network is comprised of a first, second, third, and fourth node. Each node has a transmit pin, a receive pin and a programmable microprocessor for generating messages to the transmit pin and for receiving messages presented at the receive pin for processing. The transmit pin of the first node is in line communication with the receive pin of the second node and third node and the transmit pin of said fourth node. The receive pin of the first node is in line communication with the transmit pin of the second node and third node and the receive pin of the fourth node. The microprocessors of the respective nodes are programmed to receive a message at the receiving pin uniquely addressed to the respective node and enabled thereby to respond only to the uniquely addressed messages.

Abstract: A communication network comprised of a first, second and third controller node. Each of the controller nodes includes a microprocessor for generating and receiving data messages. The first nodes has a transmit pin in line communication with the receive pin of the second nodes and has a receive pin in line communication with the transmit pin of the second node. The third controller receive pin is in line communication with the transmit pin of the first node and its transmit pin is in line communication with the receive pin of the first node. The microprocessors are programmed to respond to and generate suitable formatted data message bytes. The microprocessors are further programmable to respond only to a unique address-command data message byte from the message source node. The microprocessor will then issue a reply message byte to the destination node. The transmitting node will then send a data message. Where the receiving node is the third node, a data message from the third node must then follow.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner power and control system wherein a single pair of conductors is employed to transmit electrical power to a remote motor driven agitator and to selectively energize the blower motor of the cleaner. Photo electric means is employed to sense current flow in the conductors and trigger the power switch for the blower in response to the sensing of such flow. A switch includes a load capacitor which may be selectively connected between the conductors to establish current flow therethrough without activating the remote motor driven agitator. In one embodiment, the power supply for the agitator motor is separate from that of the blower and a sensor is provided in the vicinity at which the agitator is connected to sense the supply of power thereto and activate the blower in response to such supply.