Abstract: A mailing machine base includes a docking system for a User Interface Controller (UIC) that provides a feedback signal to the mailing machine based on the presence of the UIC. When the UIC is inserted into a docking connector of the mailing machine, the mailing machine detects the presence of the UIC. A delay circuit within the mailing machine provides a signal to a power control circuit after a predetermined time delay. The power control circuit, based on the signal from the delay circuit, will provide power to the UIC only after the UIC has been securely docked for the full predetermined time delay. When the UIC is removed from the mailing machine, the mailing machine, based on the feedback signal, will quickly remove the power provided to the docking connector. Thus, the mailing machine can remain powered during removal and replacement of the UIC.

Abstract: A handheld mailing system that is easily portable while still maintaining the functionality and security necessary for a complete mailing system is disclosed. A handheld device, such as, for example, a Personal Data Assistant (PDA), is provided with a rating engine and metering device functionality. The weight of an item to be mailed can be input manually, or provided via a communication link from a scale. The rating engine in the PDA will determine the necessary amount of postage, and the metering functionality will provide the authorization and funds for the necessary postage. A printer coupled to the PDA provides a printed label. A security device, such as, for example, a dongle, is provided to ensure security for the mail processing functionality.

Abstract: A mailing machine that includes a docking system for the User Interface Controller (UIC) that provides a safety interlock to protect the user from accessing potentially hazardous voltages when the UIC is removed is provided. A docking board provides a connection between the mailing machine and the UIC. The UIC mates with a docking connector on the docking board. Potentially hazardous signal levels pass through a relay on the docking board to the docking connector. A supply voltage for the relay's coil passes through docking board to the UIC and back to the relay on the docking board. If the UIC is removed, the supply voltage for the relay's coil will be removed, causing the relay to open and preventing any of the potentially hazardous signals from being transmitted to the docking connector on the docking board.

Abstract: A mailing machine that includes a docking system for the User Interface Controller (UIC) that provides a safety interlock to protect the user from accessing potentially hazardous voltages when the UIC is removed is provided. A docking board provides a connection between the mailing machine and the UIC. The UIC mates with a docking connector on the docking board. Potentially hazardous signal levels pass through a relay on the docking board to the docking connector. A supply voltage for the relay's coil passes through docking board to the UIC and back to the relay on the docking board. If the UIC is removed, the supply voltage for the relay's coil will be removed, causing the relay to open and preventing any of the potentially hazardous signals from being transmitted to the docking connector on the docking board.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for interfacing a weighing scale and one or more peripheral devices which includes a single intelligent interface cable assembly connected between a weighing scale and a plurality of peripheral devices, the IICA detects the peripheral device protocol by receiving a logic signal indicating which protocol is in operation, if necessary, the IICA then switches the signal protocol of the weighing scale to correspond with the signal protocol of the detected peripheral device protocol. Simultaneous, tripping of a mailing machine to print postage amounts may occur.

Abstract: A handheld mailing system that is easily portable while still maintaining the functionality and security necessary for a complete mailing system is disclosed. A handheld device, such as, for example, a Personal Data Assistant (PDA), is provided with a rating engine and metering device functionality. The weight of an item to be mailed can be input manually, or provided via a communication link from a scale. The rating engine in the PDA will determine the necessary amount of postage, and the metering functionality will provide the authorization and funds for the necessary postage. A printer coupled to the PDA provides a printed label. A security device, such as, for example, a dongle, is provided to ensure security for the mail processing functionality.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically transferring information in a data processing system, including setting a counter within a data processing device to a predetermined time period and counting the predetermined time period based upon a real time clock maintained within the data processing device. When the counter reaches the predetermined time period, the data processing device automatically initiates a data center connection and requests an information transfer. The data center transfers information to/from the data processing device. The data processing device activates the transferred information, which can then be used by the data processing device. Typical data processing systems include weighing systems, in which frequently changing postal rates and carrier rates are used to determine mail piece and parcel delivery cost, facsimile or other information accumulation systems.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for interfacing a weighing scale and one or more peripheral devices which includes a single intelligent interface cable assembly connected between a weighing scale and a plurality of peripheral devices, the IICA detects the peripheral device protocol by receiving a logic signal indicating which protocol is in operation, if necessary, the IICA then switches the signal protocol of the weighing scale to correspond with the signal protocol of the detected peripheral device protocol. Simultaneous, tripping of a mailing machine to print postage amounts may occur.

Abstract: An electronic scale uses an analog signal from a load cell which is converted directly to a pulse width modulated output signal. This pulse width modulated output signal represents the weight of an object on the scale and is sufficient to be directly read by a typical microcontroller. Therefore, no amplifier or analog to digital converter is required. The microcontroller then converts a signal representing the weight of the object on the scale to a weight value. A method of using the counter/timers on the microcontroller with synchronized overflow, is disclosed to enable a high resolution value of the pulse width modulated signal, which is then converted into a weight value for object's weight given that the pulse width modulated output signal is proportional to the weight of an object placed on the load cell.

Abstract: A unitary and discrete converter module for interfacing a host computer or postage scale using serial communication to a postage meter and mailing machine using Echoplex communication. The interface provides RS-232 to Echoplex and Echoplex to RS-232 protocol translation in addition to providing trip circuitry to trip this mailing machine.

Abstract: A postal scale system is updated, by telephone or other communication medium, by a remote service provider whenever postal rates or regulations are changed, without requiring shipment or replacement of IC chips. The system provides for remote updating of both application software and databases such as rates, zip codes and the like. By having direct communication between the provider and the postal scale, the invention permits relevant data, including scale model number, software version number and the like to be accessed by the provider, thus to update the service provider's database and to provide updates only to the correct systems. The inventive system further uses automated telephone billing, available as 1-900 service, thus to reduce expenses and errors associated with billing for update services.

Abstract: A configurable peripheral management system includes a peripheral management device which comprises a microprocessor for executing peripheral management instructions stored in a persistent memory for performing operations such as polling a peripheral device. The peripheral management device is coupled to a host computer over a serial line, through which new peripheral management instructions can be downloaded for storage in the persistent memory.