Abstract: Apparatus is provided for preparing mailpieces. The apparatus includes printing structure and structure; for supplying a plurality of stationery items. In addition the apparatus includes a computer. The computer includes structure for receiving and storing data including different letter datum corresponding one-for-one to different information provided for preparing each of a plurality of different mailpieces. The information for each mailpiece includes a postal zip code. The computer includes structure for identifying respective postal zip codes which each include a plurality of predetermined elements. In addition, the computer includes structure for sorting from the data the letter datum corresponding to information which includes an identified postal zip code.

Abstract: A system for the preparation of items to be mailed, preparation of each item varying in accordance with selected values of pre-determined parameters. The system includes apparatus for marking each item with selected identification code values; apparatus for preparing each item to be mailed in accordance with stored parameters, the preparing apparatus having a detector for detecting and outputting identification values from the items; a data base system for storing selected values of the parameters in associated with the identification codes, a control system responsive to the output identification codes to access the associated selected values for output to the preparation apparatus. The preparation apparatus of the subject system includes an inserted system and the pre-determined parameters include parameters defining the inserts to be assembled with an item.

Abstract: Apparatus for preparing a letter is provided, which includes printing structure, stationery item supplying structure and a computer. The computer is constructed and arranged for receiving a signal representative of letter data corresponding to information having a format. The information includes a plurality of parts. The computer includes structure for reformatting the letter data. The reformatted letter data includes a plurality of parts. And, each of the information parts corresponds to a different one of the data parts. The computer also includes structure for selecting at least one of the data parts, causing the supplying structure to supply the stationery item to the printing structure and causing the printing structure to print on the stationery item the information part corresponding to the selected data parts.

Abstract: A system for detecting fraudulent imprints on documents is disclosed. The system comprises a metering device, a host and a verifying facility. The metering device provides a validation signal to the host and its associated printer. Thereafter, the printer prints information which includes information from the validation signal. Thereafter the information printed on a mailpiece can be validated at the verifying facility by detecting the validation information provided by the metering device. The system provides a method to make a secure metering device without an integral printer. This value printing system provides for a secure system that will allow for the detection of fraudulent imprints at a verifying facility.

Abstract: A mailing system that generates data representative of the total postage value of a stream of mail pieces to provide proof of the debiting of a stored postal value includes a portable device having a processor and a memory.

Abstract: A postage and mailing information system wherein an encrypted message based upon postage and mail address information is created. This encrypted message is used in the determination of authenticity. Another aspect of the invention resides in placing the encrypted message in the address field of a mail piece for authentication by an automatic high speed sorter.