Abstract: A system and method for optimizing mail delivery of batch mail. A network is established interconnecting plural batch mailers, a data center, and the Postal Service. Mail data on the mail batches is transmitted to the data center. This enables the data center to generate data to the mailers for merging mail batches to achieve additional postage discounts, to schedule and route mail carriers external to and within the Postal System to increase efficiency of handling, and to interact with the Postal Service for logistics planning and drop-off point and timing of mail batches to expedite processing.

Abstract: A postal gateway system wherein information is conveyed through a gateway among a mailer, a post office, a bank, and a postal agent. With this gateway system, information can be sent virtually simultaneously to the various recipients so that each is current with regard to the mailing operations taking place and accounting therefor even though the format of data of the individual facilities are different.

Abstract: A self-monitoring mail delivery system wherein mail is tracked as it passes through multiple delivery stages. A schedule is created of expected arrival times at each stage. Should a mail piece not arrive on time, the system is alerted to initiate a search for the late or missing mail piece, or to take other corrective action, such as expediting delivery of late pieces. A data center monitors the operations and provides management information to help enhance deliveries.

Abstract: A system for certifying correctly accounted postage payment, the system includes an input for entering transactional mail run data and a data processor coupled to the input. Documents to be certified are fed along a document feed path, and certain parameters for the documents are determined. A printer under the control of the data processor, then places a certification imprint upon the documents after necessary accounting is done.

Abstract: A communication system for processing information for distribution, including: a central data station, a plurality of user stations, each of the user stations including a plurality of components forming a secure path for the proper distribution of the information, a communication link interconnecting the user stations with the central data stations, the central data station including means for periodically interrogating a user station for determining the operational status of each of the components, means located within the central data station for indicating an error condition in any one of the components, and means at the central data station for transmitting a condition signal from the central data station to the user station for indicating the error condition.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for categorizing and certifying a batch of mail uses a random statistical scheme. The mail will be categorized in terms of print quality, accuracy with the statement sheet accompanying the mail, deliverability, and the like so that the Post Office is relieved of having to manually inspect the mail and can arrange scheduling, equipment and manpower for the processing of such batch of mail. The mail will be certified with regard to the correctness of postage for mailing the batch.

Abstract: A mail sender processes batches of mail each of which is accompanied by a statement summarizing the type and number of mail pieces sent and amount of postage for each batch. During processing, each mail piece is identified by a unique number for security purposes.

Abstract: A system for processing batch mail in which the need for on-site inspection is unnecessary. The mail sender purchases postage from a central station thereby authorizing him to send mail equal to the amount of postage purchased.The mail sender processes batches of mail each of which is accompanied by a statement summarizing the type and number of mail pieces sent and amount of postage for each batch. The 10 statement contains data that allows mail payment verification.

Abstract: A system for processing batch mail in which the need for on-site inspection is unnecessary. A mail sender purchases postage from a central station thereby authorizing him to send mail equal to the amount of postage purchased. The mail sender processes batches of mail each batch being accompanied by a statement summarizing the type and number of mail pieces sent and amount of postage for that batch. The statement contains data that allows mail payment verification.

Abstract: A system for processing batch mail in which the need for on-site inspection is unnecessary. The mail sender purchases postage from a central station thereby authorizing him to send mail equal to the amount of postage purchased. The mail sender processes batches of mail each of which is accompanied by a statement summarizing the type and number of mail pieces sent and amount of postage for each batch. The statement contains data that allows mail payment verification.

Abstract: A security system for use with an indicia printing authorization device includes a computer having a nonvolatile memory associated therewith. Graphic change information can be downloaded to the device by an external authority. The graphic change information includes the data when the different pattern is authorized. On that date, all indicia printers that do not print the authorized pattern will be suspect.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system wherein a mailer is able to send large quantities or batches of mail. The mailer has a secure accounting unit similar to a postage meter in which postage value is placed by a central station which is also in communication with a remote resetting center for accounting for funds transferred to the accounting unit. The central station communicates with the mailing station in order to obtain data relative to the mail processing whenever the funds are to be transferred to the accounting unit. The central station may also serve to lock or unlock the mail processing at the mailing station. Receipts may also be provided for the funding transactions.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting nozzle malfunction in an ink jet printhead having a predetermined number of nozzles. The printhead is first controlled whereby each of the nozzles is activated once in a manner which is required to print on a print medium a line having a number of ink dots equal to the predetermined number. Then a photodetector detects whether each location on the print medium which opposed one of the nozzles at the time of activation of that one nozzle has an ink dot printed thereat. Each location is photodetected in time sequence by scanning. The photodetector outputs a signal having a first level in response to each photodetected location which has no ink dot thereat and a signal having a second level in response to each photodetected location which has an ink dot thereat. The output of the photodetector is then processed.

Abstract: A technique for verifying that indicia, such as print indicia, are provided at the correct location(s) on an object. Relative movement between the object and a sensor is provided. If sensed indicia are located at an expected position on the object, an indicia-bearing object is vertified. One or more samples of a proper object are scanned to establish a template which defines those locations at which indicia on the samples are located. This template is used subsequently to verify the presence of proper indicia-bearing objects.

Abstract: An electrolytic display cell includes two plates, one of which is covered by a semi-transparent electrode. The display is obtained by connecting the electrode to a source of potential of a first polarity and the erasing by connecting the electrode to a source of potential of a second polarity. The electrode has a first terminal and a second terminal. The first and the second terminal are adapted to be connected to apparatus for detecting whether the electrode has been made visible.

Abstract: A device applicable for processing batch mail which eliminates the need for on-site inspection. A mail sender purchases postage value and stores the amount purchased in the memory of the accounting device. The mail sender processes batches of mail and reduces the amount of purchased postage value in the memory to account for the mail processed.

Abstract: A system for processing batch mail in which a mail sender processes batches of mail each of which includes a statement containing data that allows mail payment verification. Included in this data is the balance of postage value after processing the mail.

Abstract: A system for processing batch mail in which the need for on-site inspection is unnecessary. The mail sender purchases postage from a central station thereby authorizing him to send mail equal to the amount of postage purchased. The mail sender processes batches of mail each of which is accompanied by a statement summarizing the type and number of mail pieces sent and amount of postage for each batch. The statement contains data that allows mail payment verification. The system further provides for postal funds transfer between the various mailroom devices and centralized accounting for the mailing operation.

Abstract: A system for processing batch mail in which the need for on-site inspection is unnecessary. The mail sender purchases postage from a central station thereby authorizing him to send mail equal to the amount of postage purchased. The mail sender processes batches utilizing a plurality of work stations. Each batch is accompanied by a statement summarizing the type and number of mail pieces sent and amount of postage for each batch. The statement contains data that allows mail payment verification.

Abstract: An unsecured postage applying system wherein the printer and accounting unit are separated from one another by an unsecured link through use of encryption. The printer may be of any off the shelf type that is capable of printing alpha numerics or bar codes. More than one printer can be connected to a single accounting unit to provide a network of printers accommodated by the one accounting unit.