Abstract: A postage meter having an improved throughput for processing mixed weight mail. A postage meter is provided with a commnications link for receiving signals from a system for determining postage amounts and transporting mailpieces. A first signal is provided indicating that a next postage amount will be determined, and in response the postage meter performs common, preliminary steps to enable setting indicia to correspond to the next postage amount. A second signal defining the next postage amount is then received and the postage meter sets its indicia to correspond. In one embodiment of the subject invention the meter may then send a signal requesting transport of the next mailpiece. The meter may then implement common enabling steps for printing while the mailpiece is in transport. In still another embodiment the next postage amount is compared to the last postage amount to which the indicia are set, and if they are equal setting of the indicia is bypast.

Abstract: An electronic postage meter includes electronic circuitry for providing an accounting of the number of mailpieces imprinted with postage, and the amount of postage imprinted on such mailpieces. An electro-optic sensor connects with a mechanical drive of a printing drum of the meter to sense successive rotations of the printing drum, one rotation occurring for each imprinting of postage. A comparison circuit compares the one-bit signal provided by the electro-optic sensor with the least significant bit of a count of the mailpieces, which count is provided electronically by the accounting function. Any discrepancy between the least significant bit of the mechanical count and the least significant bit of the electronic count serves as a warning of a malfunction, or of tampering, of the postage unit. An error-signal circuit connected to the comparison circuit terminates operation of the meter upon the occurrence of a discrepancy between the mechanical and electrical counts.

Abstract: In order to allow manufacturing complete freedom in testing and to insure that a customer receives an electronic postage meter or electronic parcel register preset to known values, the meter is operable to preset the internal registers in the accounting module when a serial number is locked in the unit. The dollar values in the ascending and descending registers, and the unit piece count may be preset to any pre-determined value only once during the life of the nonvolatile memory device associated with the accounting module in an electronic postage meter or electronic register. The serial number lock is modified to enable the internal register modification to be provided. To minimize any unauthorized abuse, by an external stimulus or by an internal failure, the serial number lock is stored before each register value is preset. The serial number lock is set after the preset to bar unauthorized entry into this sensitive routine.

Abstract: A postage calculator system and method comprising means for introducing postal information to the system; a memory means for obtaining weight information of the article to be mailed; a memory means for storing information indicative of special fee categories; and means for generating a postage value for the article from the postal information, the weight information and the special fee information. The system selects postal information indicative of the carrier type, class and destination of an article to be mailed, obtains weight information for the article, selects special fee information indicative of at least one of the following special fee categories for use with the article: registered mail, special delivery, return receipt, certified mail, insurance and C.O.D. The system then generates a postage value for the article.