Abstract: Apparatus and method for feeding a web having two portions in a path of travel. The apparatus comprises a first module including a device for feeding the two web portions in side-by-side relationship and a second module located downstream in the path of travel from the first module where the second module includes a device for feeding the two web portions in upper-lower relationship. Accordingly, the two web portions each form a loop between the first module and the second module so as to reorient from side-by-side to upper-lower relationship. The apparatus further comprises a controller operatively connected to the first module feed a device and the second module feed a device for setting the feed speed of the first module feed a device corresponding to the feed speed of the second module feed device. The method includes the steps of: (a) determining the feed speed of the second module; and (b) setting the feed speed of the first module to a corresponding value for a given feed speed of the second module.

Abstract: An electro-optical system for double document detection wherein an improved calibration is employed. A microcontroller generates a series of increasingly wider pulses, which are transformed into a series of respective increasingly higher ramp pulses to drive a light emitter at gradually increased power until a predetermined value of an output signal of a light detector is achieved. Then the pulse width corresponding to the predetermined value of the output signal is fixed. During feeding of documents, the microcontroller monitors the output signal to determine a double-feed document condition if the output signal exceeds a predetermined value. To detect a "true" double-feed document condition, a software timer counts a prolongation of the alteration of the output signal. Also, in order not to miss a "true" double-feed document condition when the area of overlapping is small, the distance between a front edge of the first overlapped document and a rear edge of the last overlapped document is measured.

Abstract: An optical scanning system comprises an optical scanner, a first circuit for generating a reference pulse and a second circuit for comparing a benchmark pulse scanned by the scanner to the reference pulse. The comparing circuit provides an indicating signal of one of a less than, a greater than and an equal to signals as a result of the comparison. There is a third circuit for adjusting sensitivity of the scanner based on the indicating signal. In one embodiment a visual indication is provided to distinguish between the less than, greater than and equal to signals so that a manual adjustment can be made to the scanner sensitivity. In another embodiment, automatic adjustments are made if a predetermined number of less than or greater than signals are provided before an equal to signal is provided by the comparing circuit.

Abstract: A method of initializing an optical scanning system by centering a benchmark code in an electrically adjustable benchmark window, the benchmark code being scanned by the optical scanning system while being transported through a paper handling machine. The improvement comprises the steps of providing an encoder for timing the machine cycles of the paper handling machine as a plurality of documents are processed therethrough; conveying a document containing a benchmark code to be scanned past a scanning device of the optical scanning system; enabling a counter at the lead edge of the electrically adjustable benchmark window; incrementing the counter once for every two encoder pulses; disabling the counter when the scanning device detects the benchmark code; displaying the count of the counter in a LED display; and adjusting the location of the benchmark window so that the benchmark code is substantially centered in the benchmark window based on the count displayed on the LED display.

Abstract: In accordance with the foregoing objects, the present invention provides for a source and detector arranged in the path of a diminishing supply of documents, the strategically located detector responding to the absence of a supply at a specific point for providing an indication that the document supply or the like is getting low so that an operator may refill the supply before it runs out.

Abstract: An optical scanning system including an amplifier which automatically adjusts the background reference level. A photodetector, which is preferably a photocell, detects light reflected from or transmitted through objects such as code markings on forms and produces an output signal representative of the intensity of the detected light. This signal is coupled to the differential input of an amplifier through two circuits. One circuit rapidly couples the signal to one of the inputs and the second circuit couples an integral of the signal to the second input to automatically establish a background reference level. The amplifier may include means for adjusting the amplifier sensitivity and a small amount of positive feedback to increase the amplifier hysteresis so that once an object is detected, the amplifier output is unafffected by small changes in the input signal. This embodiment is useful in applications such as proximity detection.

Abstract: An improvement in combination with a postage meter including a rotary drum having a periphery adapted for feeding a sheet in a path of travel. The improvement comprises: a first device for sensing a time interval during which a sheet is linearly displaced a predetermined distance in the path of travel; a d.c. motor coupled to the drum for rotation of the drum; a second device for sensing angular displacement of the drum; and a computer coupled to the first and second sensing devices and to the d.c. motor; wherein the computer responds to the first sensing device for providing respective amounts representative of desired angular displacements of the drum during successive sampling time periods, responds to the second sensing device for providing respective amounts representative of actual angular displacements of the drum during successive sampling time periods, compensates for the difference between desired and actual angular displacements and generates a d.c.

Abstract: An automated mailing system includes a scale having a weighing device, a keyboard for entering postage value determining data, a postage value determining processor and a programmable read only memory containing postal rate and zip to zone conversion data. A peripheral controller interface provides communication capability between the scale processor and a plurality of peripheral mailing devices including a series of electronic postage meters each of which is adapted to provide postage value denominations for mail originating from different postal zone distribution points. A data steering interface, which may be included within the peripheral controller interface, provides interconnection between the communications lines received from the scale system processor and the communication lines of the respective electronic postage meters.

Abstract: An automated mailing system includes a scale having a weighing device, a keyboard for entering postage value determining data and an electronic postage meter selection code, a postage value determining processor and a programmable read only memory containing postal rate and zip to zone conversion data. A peripheral controller interface provides communication capability between the scale processor and a plurality of peripheral mailing devices including a series of electronic postage meters each of which is adapted to provide postage value denominations for mail originating from different postal zone distribution points. A data steering interface, which may be included within the peripheral controller interface, provides interconnection between the communications lines received from the scale system processor and the communication lines of the respective electronic postage meters.

Abstract: An encoder is provided for a postage meter having a lever which is movable between postage value selecting positions. The encoder monitors movement of the meter setting lever by providing an electrical signal which varies in response to movement of the meter setting lever from one of the positions to another of the positions. Calibration can be performed so that the electrical signal indicative of the meter setting lever positions is truly representative of the positions.

Abstract: A regulated power supply circuit includes a transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding electromagnetically coupled by an iron core. A source of AC operating voltage is coupled to the primary winding of the transformer via an actuable switch means. A load circuit coupled to the secondary winding circuit is adapted to be energized by a voltage developed in the secondary winding circuit. Means are provided for sensing the polarity of each half cycle of said source of AC operating voltage. Memory means are coupled to the transformer for providing information representative of the polarity of each half cycle of the source of operating voltage applied to the primary winding of the transformer. The memory means are operable to maintain the information for a period of time when the switch is actuated to be opened. Means are also provided for sensing a parameter in the secondary winding circuit related to the energy available in the secondary winding circuit.

Abstract: An encoder is provided for a postage meter having a lever which is movable between a plurality of postage value selecting positions. The encoder includes framework adapted for removably mounting the encoder in operating relationship with respect to the postage meter, and includes instrumentalities for monitoring movement of the postage meter lever when the encoder is operationally mounted. Preferably, the monitoring means includes means for providing an electrical signal which varies in response to movement of the postage meter lever from one of its positions to another.

Abstract: In a machine having a printing cycle, and including an inking mechanism, there is provided apparatus for controlling operation of the inking mechanism. The control apparatus comprises a latch including a manually operable switch, a pulse generator coupled to the latch and adapted to be enabled thereby to commence generating pulses in response to momentary operation of the switch, a counter for counting a predetermined number of pulses, instrumentalities for providing an inking enabling signal for a predetermined time interval during at least one of the printing cycles, a gate for gating the pulses to the counter during at least one of the aforesaid time intervals, and means for operating the inking mechanism during the time period the predetermined number of pulses are being counted.

Abstract: There is disclosed a volatile electronic counter wherein the count is retained over power off periods. This is accomplished by the use of a non-volatile memory with means for rapidly writing therein the contents of the volatile memory upon sensing a power down condition. Upon later sensing a power up condition, the contents of the non-volatile memory are returned to the volatile memory.

Abstract: A method of representing decimal numbers in a quasi binary coded decimal (BCD) form is disclosed along with apparatus for using the same. The value assigned to a combination of binary bits is dependent on the location of the combination on the medium which is encoded. Use is made of the direction of motion of the medium to determine the position and hence the decimal value of specific combinations of binary bits. By interpreting certain combinations of bits in two different ways, an additional binary bit of information can be obtained from a given number of bits increasing the obtainable information from conventional BCD codes.

Abstract: A method of improving the accuracy of scale readings featuring exciting the molecules of the supporting spring and clamping structure of the scale. The purpose of this excitation is to reduce the effects of hysteresis, creep and drift upon the measured load. Exciting the molecules of the support spring causes the scale to reach its stable state of stress much more rapidly. This results in obtaining more accurate weight readings for a load being weighed.

Abstract: A method of representing decimal numbers in a quasi binary coded decimal (BCD) form is disclosed along with apparatus for using the same. The value assigned to a combination of binary bits is dependent on the location of the combination on the medium which is encoded. Use is made of the direction of motion of the medium to determine the position and hence the decimal value of specific combinations of binary bits. By interpreting certain combinations of bits in two different ways, an additional binary bit of information can be obtained from a given number of bits increasing the obtainable information from conventional BCD codes.