Abstract: A method and system for printing a 2D-barcode corresponding to a binary data array and a substrate imprinted with such barcode. The barcode has I first columns of modules and J rows of modules transverse to columns. Each module having a one-to-one correspondence with a bit in a data array and comprising X columns and Y rows of pixels.

Abstract: A method and system for printing a 2D-barcode corresponding to a binary data array and a substrate imprinted with such barcode. The barcode has I first columns of modules and J rows of modules transverse to columns. Each module having a one-to-one correspondence with a bit in a data array and comprising X columns and Y rows of pixels.

Abstract: A method of printing a composite image composed of a postage indicia image and an adjacent nondescript image on an image receiving medium is disclosed. The postage indicia image contains alpha-numeric data which must be machine readable and therefore must be printed with a high quality water fast ink, and is printed with a printing device utilizing ink jet technology. The nondescript image is merely a flag image containing fluorescent material and does not contain alpha-numeric data that must be machine readable, and therefore can be printed by any other suitable printer using commercially available fluorescent ink.

Abstract: Predetermined print control signals are provided to a digital printing mechanism that responds to the print control signals to print an image on a substrate. A reference signal is derived from said print control signals. The image is scanned to generate a post-print signal. The reference signal is compared with said post-print signal. If the reference signal and the post-print signal do not compare within predetermined standards, an output signal indicative of poor print quality is generated. The print mechanism can be incorporated into a postage metering system and the image can be a postal indicia. The postage meter is responsive to a signal generated as a function of the output signal to inhibit further printing of postal indicia. Prior to printing the image, a substrate upon which the image is to be printed is scanned to generate a reflectance signal, the reflectance signal being used to correct the post-print signal.

Abstract: Mailing machine including a transport apparatus for feeding a mailpiece in a path of travel, a printer module including a first array of print elements and a second array of print elements and a control system in operative communication with the transport means and the printer module. The first array of print elements are positioned substantially transverse to the path of travel for printing a first portion of a postal indicia while the second array of print elements are substantially parallel to the first array of print elements and located downstream in the path of travel from the first array of print elements for printing a second portion of the postal indicia.

Abstract: An ink jet printer comprising a replaceable cartridge having a supply of ink and a controller in operative communication with the cartridge. The controller keeps an estimate of an amount of ink remaining in the cartridge and provides a signal indicating that the cartridge is to be weighed in response to a predetermined event. A method of operating an ink jet printer, a postage printing apparatus and a method of operating a postage printing system are also provided.

Abstract: A fluorescent ink that makes tagger marks and is able to be used in valve jet printers at a rate of four #10 envelopes per second. The ink also penetrates paper at a rapid rate and dries at the same time it is penetrating the paper, without degrading the print quality. The penetrating agent solvent system may be isopropyl alcohol in combination with a surfactant. The surfactant may be polyethylene glycol ethers. Polyethylene glycol ethers have a high boiling point and low vapor pressure. The penetrating agent solvent system has a low boiling point and high vapor pressure and a low static and dynamic surface tension. This improves the inks rate of penetration into the paper and diminishes the amount of offset.

Abstract: A mailing system includes a mailing machine having a printing mechanism for printing an indication of postage value on a mailpiece and structure for controlling relative movement between the printing mechanism and the mailpiece to ensure the mailpiece is properly positioned relative to the printing mechanism during printing of the indication of postage value; a meter vault having a securely sealed housing, and apparatus, within the securely sealed housing, for accounting for the printed indication of postage value, wherein the meter vault is removably mounted in the mailing machine for easy removal via a plug-in connector; and a printing mechanism control module for securely controlling printing by the printing mechanism based on data received from the meter vault, the printing mechanism control module being removably mounted in the mailing machine for easy removal via a quick disconnect connector; wherein the meter vault and the printing mechanism control module are in electrical communication via the mailin

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for cleaning and maintaining an inkjet printhead with a maintenance head. The apparatus includes: an inkjet printhead translatable in a first plane; a device for translating the printhead to a cleaning station; an inkjet maintenance head translatable in a second plane, wherein the first plane is not parallel to the second plane; and a device for translating the maintenance head in at least two directions in the second plane to engage the printhead at the cleaning station.

Abstract: A mailing machine comprising a printer module, a transport device and a controller in operative communication with the transport device and the printer module. The printer module including an array of ink jet print elements for printing on an envelope and a repositioning device in operative engagement with the array of ink jet print elements for moving the array of ink jet print elements between a maintenance position and a print position. The transport device including suitable structure for feeding the envelope in a path of travel so that the envelope passes in opposed relationship to the array of ink jet print elements when the array of ink jet print elements are in the print position. The controller keeps an indicator of an amount of time elapsed between printing successive envelopes.

Abstract: A method comprising the step(s) of: positioning a print head and a maintenance head of an ink jet printer into proper mating relationship; driving the print head to a hard stop; measuring an indicator of the distance from the proper mating relationship position to the print head hard stop; storing the print head distance indicator in a memory; driving the maintenance head to a hard stop; measuring an indicator of the distance from the proper mating relationship position to the maintenance head hard stop; storing the maintenance head distance indicator in the memory; using the print head distance indicator to repeatably return the print head to the proper mating relationship position; and using the maintenance head distance indicator to repeatably return the maintenance head to the proper mating relationship position.

Abstract: A mailing system is includes of a mailing machine operating under the control of a microcontroller having a communication port with a first channel and a second channel. The mailing system also includes a meter vault which operates under the control a microcontroller mounted in a secure housing and having a communication port with a first channel and a second channel. A printer is included which operates under the control of a microcontroller mounted in a secure housing and having a communication port having a first channel and a second channel. A printer interface is included for providing a number of independent communication paths. A first path provides communication between first channel of the mailing machine and the first channel of the meter vault. A second path provides communication between the second channel of the mailing machine and the second channel of the printer, and a third path for providing communications between the second channel of meter vault and the first channel of the printer.

Abstract: A flat bed printing mechanism for a postage meter is disclosed which includes a flat printing die, a platen mounted beneath the printing which is movable toward and away from the printing die to as to bring the image area of a mail piece disposed over the platen into printing contact with the printing die. The platen supports a resilient pressure pad which contacts the mail piece, and there is a resilient means interposed between the upper surface of the platen and the lower surface of the pressure pad to support the pressure pad in spaced relationship with the upper surface of the platen so that the pressure pad is free to move both linearly and angularly with respect to the platen when the platen moves upwardly to press the mail piece against the printing die, to cause the plane of the upper surface of the pressure pad to conform to the plane of the image area of the mail piece as the platen pushes the image area of the mail piece upwardly toward the printing die.

Abstract: An ink pad device for a high speed mailing machine is disclosed. The ink pad device includes an ink pad and an ink chamber in which the ink pad is at least partially disposed to sorb ink therefrom. The ink pad device may also comprise an ink reservoir and/or a pump for pumping ink from the reservoir to the ink chamber. The ink pad device is attachable to a drive for moving the ink pad horizontally and vertically from a horizontal home position to a horizontal inking position in which the ink pad is tamped against a printing device which imprints postage indicia. The ink pump comprises a deformable chamber which is compressed to pump ink from the reservoir to the ink chamber. In one embodiment, the ink pad and the ink chamber are provided as a disposable, non-replenishable, non-refillable unit containing a limited amount of ink for limited use. In another embodiment, the ink chamber, the ink pad, the reservoir and the pump form a unit in which ink is replenished from the reservoir to the ink chamber.

Abstract: An inking device for postage meter in a high speed mailing machine is disclosed, the inking device functioning to apply ink to a printing die in the postage meter between each printing operation performed by the postage meter. The inking device includes an ink pad disposed in a reservoir and held therein by a cover member having an aperture through which an upper portion of the ink pad projects so as to contact the lower printing surface of the printing die. The configuration of the ink pad is such that there is a small channel or space between the outer edges of the ink pad and the inner edges of the aperture of the cover member so that ink which is squeeze out of the ink pad during compression thereof with the printing die will not ooze onto the upper surface of the cover member and eventually spread onto other parts of the mailing machine.

Abstract: An inking device for a postage meter in a high speed mailing machine is disclosed in which the inking device has an ink reservoir containing an ink pad, and a cover member to secure the ink pad in the reservoir. The reservoir is formed as a generally rectangular tray having a flat bottom wall and upstanding front, rear and side walls, and includes a plurality of elongate upstanding ribs covering most of the area of the bottom wall for supporting an ink pad and for defining ink flow channels between the ribs. There are also relatively short upstanding ribs disposed around the other sides of the tray, and all of the ribs have upwardly inclined portions adjacent the front, rear and side walls against which a cover member presses to compress that portion of the ink pad which overlies the inclined portions of the ribs.

Abstract: An ink tray has been improved to include a plurality of channel ribs formed on the bottom surface. The rib ends are spaced apart from the ink tray side walls. An ink pad is supported in the ink tray above the channels such that ink directed through the channels is absorbed by the ink pad. Replenishing ink is directed into the ink tray and caused to collect at one end of a first group of channel ribs and thereafter uniformly between each channel rib of the first group. The displaced ink is then caused to uniformly travel between a second group of channel ribs and exit the ink tray. The travel path of the ink allows for even absorption of ink by the ink pad and the removal of excess ink from the ink tray.

Abstract: An ion modulator having a bias electrode is capable of producing copies in which the contrast and background are controllable. Such modulator functions in a process which utilizes an adjustable charge density applied to set up uniform fringing fields of the desired magnitude which block ions directed towards background (light) areas. Funneling fields are set up in image (dark) areas in opposition to the original fringing fields by simultaneous imaging and ion projection, decreasing the effect of such fringing fields and permitting ions to pass through the modulator in image areas.

Abstract: An ion modulator having a bias electrode which is independently controllable improves the modulation and focusing of projected ions. Such a modulator is constructed so as to reduce the adverse effects of corona discharge upon the modulator.

Abstract: The invention is an improved modulator, in the form of a screen, having the capability of selectively passing therethrough charged particles, such as gas ions, in accordance with a pattern that corresponds to the image and non-image areas of a graphic original. The apertured modulator is formed from a metal screen, such as a 200 mesh wire screen, having a wire cross section of 0.051 millimeter and is overcoated with a four-micron thickness of a photoconductor, such as selenium or an organic photoconductor, over which is next applied an equal thickness of an insulating layer, such as polystyrene. The three-layered modulator constructed in this manner is imparted a charge pattern corresponding to the graphic subject to be reproduced by the creation of a charge distribution system (CDS) on the insulating surface. The CDS created on the modulator in the environment of this invention is completely passive to electromagnetic radiation.