Abstract: A message control system particularly useful for postage meters of the type having bit-map printers includes encryption means for generating a code in a postage meter based on meter information and the desired information to be included in the message to be printed. The message and other data is furnished to a data center which then generates an authorization code to be furnished to the postage meter. When there is a match between the authorization and internal code, the message can be stored in the postage meter for printing. The messages may also reside in a slogan box which must remain connected to the meter in order for the slogan to be printed.

Abstract: A deterrent to counterfeiting of indicias on mailpieces is provided in a method and apparatus for implementing the printing of the indicia using a customized printhead or customized printer drivers such that the dots of the bit-mapped printing are produced by the printer in unevenly spaced rows or columns. The dot size may also be varied in accordance with data from the meter, printed value, variable data such as the date, and forensic data suitably encrypted. When the indicia is scanned, the variations are readily detectable and the information is easily extracted by Postal Authorities.

Abstract: A postage meter comprises a non-volatile memory and a microcomputer in communication with the non-volatile memory and a plurality of stepper motors. Positioning commands from the microcomputer are directed to the plurality of stepper motors and includes a plurality of respective stepper motor drivers. Each of the stepper motors are arranged for positioning at least one printwheel. The non-volatile memory has stored therein data for associating each of the stepper motor drivers with a respective printwheel wherein the positioning of a selected printwheel is commanded in accordance with the data relating printwheel to stepper motor driver stored in the non-volatile memory.

Abstract: In an electronic postage meter, two accounts are maintained in non-volatile memory. One account represents the funds available for the postage meter and the other is an account representing operational funds. The operational funds account is accessed and updated in meter trips. The other is accessed when operating funds reach a predetermined level. In a first embodiment, the first register is disposed in a low endurance non-volatile memory while the second register is disposed in a high endurance device which has lower retention capability. The non-volatile memory in which the first register is disposed may be maintained at power-down or power-savings condition during trip cycles and other system operations in order to protect the funds stored in the first register.

Abstract: An electronic postage meter includes two non-volatile memories. One of the non-volatile memories is utilized for storing in historical sequence in respective registers the transaction information for each of a predetermined number of transactions which have occurred prior to the last transaction. This memory is accessed at the time of each transaction. The real-time transaction information may be sequentially written over the earliest information in the registers. The other non-volatile memory stores cumulative data upon power-down.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus is provided for protecting the accounting data stored in an electronic postage meter having multiple non-volatile memories for the storage of accounting data, including the steps of and associated apparatus for providing a first non-volatile memory; writing postage transactions accounting data into the first non-volatile memory in real time during each trip cycle of the meter; providing a second non-volatile memory; writing postage transaction accounting data into the second non-volatile memory only during the power cycle of the meter; and disabling the first non-volatile memory when the meter enters a power down cycle to prevent any further writing of data into the first non-volatile memory. Advantageously, the first non-volatile memory is clamped to ground potential during the power down cycle.

Abstract: In a postal meter adapted to be connected to a source of supply of power for energization, and having structures for printing postage values and a selected data, for displaying a plurality of segments, and for entering data, and having a computer electrically connected to each of the aforesaid structures and programmed for processing data for controlling the operation thereof, and wherein the postal meter includes structure for selecting one of a plurality of dates; there is provided an improvement for reminding an operator of the postal meter to check the selected date. The improvement includes the computer being programmed for causing the display to start displaying at least one unique segment in response to energization of the postal meter, the data entering structure including a depressable key for entering data into the computer, and the computer being programmed for causing the display to stop displaying the at least one segment in response to the depression of the key.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus is provided for using data stored in one non-volatile memory to locate the next memory address in which to write data in another non-volatile memory of an electronic postage meter, comprising the steps of and associated apparatus for providing a first non-volatile memory for storing data therein including cumulative piece count data corresponding to the number of completed postage transactions, providing a second non-volatile memory for storing accounting data sequentially therein for each one of a predetermined number of trip cycles of the postage meter which number corresponds to the number of individually addressable trip cycle memory locations in the second non-volatile memory and defines a modulus of the second non-volatile memory, retrieving the cumulative piece count data from the first non-volatile memory during a power up cycle, dividing the cumulative piece count data by the modulus of the second non-volatile memory, and using the remainder resulting from the divisi

Abstract: A postage meter, adapted to be connected to a source of supply of power for energization, is provided. The postage meter includes improved structure for entering data. The data entering structure includes a keyboard having a plurality of numeric keys, a postage setting key, at least one special purpose key and a plurality of display keys. In addition, the postage meter includes devices for displaying numerical values and other data, for selecting one of a plurality of dates, and for printing postage values and the selected date. Further, the postage meter includes a computer which is electrically connected to each of the aforesaid entering and displaying and printing devices and is programmed for processing data for controlling the operation of the same.

Abstract: A monitoring circuit for an electronic postage meter operating under control of a programmed microprocessor, including a transistor switch for receiving an output signal from the programmed microprocessor and generating an output signal in response thereto; timer means electrically coupled to the transistor switch for generating an output pulse in the absence of a signal from the transistor switch within a predetermined time interval, logic gate means electrically coupled to the timer means for holding its output in a first logical state in the absence of a signal from the timer means and capable of changing its output to a second logical state in the presence of an output signal from the timer means, the logic gate means having its output electrically coupled to the programmed microprocessor to advise the same of a change in the logical state of its output.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for initializing the printwheels in an electronic postage meter is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a printwheel selection mechanism which is comprised of various components. The various components on the printwheel selection mechanism are adjusted to set a plurality of printwheels to a predetermined position. After those printwheels are adjusted a signal is produced which indicates that the printwheels are located at that predetermined position. The various components of the printwheel selection mechanism are sequentially adjusted to set the printwheels so that the postage meter settings are at a known initial point.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for controlling the erasure and writing of data in non-volatile memory during the power up, power down and normal operating cycles of an electronic postage meter is disclosed. The apparatus monitors the input power signal and provides an enable signal when the input signal reaches a first predetermined threshold. The apparatus transmits a reset signal to inhibit the generation of a write or erase signal to a microprocessor prior to the input power signal reaching a first predetermined threshold voltage. The apparatus provides the erase signal to the non-volatile memory after the input power signal reaches the first predetermined voltage. The apparatus then applies a bias voltage to a terminal of the memory to allow for the erasure of data therefrom. A warning signal is provided to the microprocessor when the input signal falls below a specified value. The output enable signal is removed when the input signals falls below a second predetermined voltage.

Abstract: An electronically controlled mailing machine is provided which includes a housing having a slot into which an envelope may be inserted, a platen movably connected to said housing, a print head overhanging said platen, and structure for moving the platen into engagement with an envelope inserted into the slot for urging the envelope into imprinting engagement with the print head. In addition there is provided a computer, for controlling the platen moving means, and switching apparatus including a member movably connected to the housing and extending into said slot for movement by an envelope inserted into the slot. The switching apparatus includes an optical sensing device mounted within the housing and electrically connected to the computer. The sensing device is responsive to movement of the member for signalling the computer. And the computer is responsive to the signalling for causing the platen moving structure to move the platen.