Abstract: Disclosed is an improved work-ahead method for efficiently operating a software-controlled, automated postage meter of the type used to print postage and other digital data on batches of mail that are run through the meter during successive jobs which originate from different accounts. The operator enters data relating to the parameters for a first job to be completed. After the meter is initialized and the meter overhead is encountered, the first batch of mail for the first job is run through the postage meter. As the first job is being executed and the first batch of mail is being imprinted with postage, the operator enters the data relating to the parameters for the next job. The operator then loads a second batch of mail for the next job into the postage meter. Provided that the first job has been completed, but without having to once again initialize the postage meter and encounter all of the meter overhead, the second batch of letters for the next job is now run through the meter.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved work-ahead method for efficiently operating a software-controlled, automated postage meter of the type used to print postage and other digital data on batches of mail that are run through the meter during successive jobs which originate from different accounts. The operator enters data relating to the parameters for a first job to be completed. After the meter is initialized and the meter overhead is encountered, the first batch of mail for the first job is run through the postage meter. As the first job is being executed and the first batch of mail is being imprinted with postage, the operator enters the data relating to the parameters for the next job. The operator then loads a second batch of mail for the next job into the postage meter. Provided that the first job has been completed, but without having to once again initialize the postage meter and encounter all of the meter overhead, the second batch of letters for the next job is now run through the meter.

Abstract: A thermally reactive closure assembly for sealing a filler neck opening of a radiator and for controlling the fluid flow from the radiator through a passageway. The closure assembly includes a cap member and a vent valve associated with the passageway. The vent valve is movable between a normally opened position to a closed position sealing the passageway in response to a sufficient rate of fluid flow therethrough. The vent valve includes a spring operative to move the vent valve from the opened position to the closed position in response to increasing temperature of the cooling system environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable, hand-held distance-measurement apparatus utilizing a laser range finder. The distance-measurement apparatus executes a number of distance-measurement cycles. In each cycle, a capacitor begins charging at approximately the same time that a light pulse is generated. An analog-to-digital converter generates a digital representation of the capacitor voltage at approximately the same time that a reflected light pulse is received. The lowest and the highest digital values are discarded and the remaining digital values are averaged and scaled to produce a distance measurement. A reflective target may be used at a remote location to reflect the light beam back to the distance-measurement apparatus. The distance-measurement apparatus has several power saving features that facilitate convenient battery operation. The distance-measurement apparatus may also have a view finder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable, hand-held distance-measurement apparatus comprising a laser range finder which is aimed by an active viewfinder. The active viewfinder improves the accuracy of the range finder by giving the user more visual feedback and thus allowing the user better control over the ranging operation. Under user command, the viewfinder enters a targeting mode wherein the user is presented with a illuminated targeting indicator inside the viewfinder. The indicator is superimposed upon the field-of-view seen through the viewfinder. In the targeting mode, the user aims the range finder by placing the targeting indicator on the object to be ranged. Once the device is aimed, the user commands the distance-measurement device to execute a distance measurement cycle. In one embodiment, targeting indicator flashes in various ways to indicate the quality of the data being obtained during the distance measurement cycle.