Abstract: A postage meter includes a slot to receive insertion of an envelope. A registration plate defines a top side of the slot. The registration plate has a window formed therein. The registration plate is for defining a printing location for a top surface of the envelope. A print head is mounted above the registration plate for printing a postage indicium on the top surface of the envelope. The postage meter includes a spring-loaded platform for pressing the envelope against the registration plate. The platform has a recess therein facing the window in the registration plate. The recess has a depth of at least about 5 mm. A cantilever spring is positioned between the window and the recess to apply an upward force to the envelope.

Abstract: A system for independent translational motion on two axes using one motor is described. In one configuration, a modified dual Scotch Yoke using slots resembling the letter J is utilized to drive both the maintenance station and ink jet head of a mailing machine.

Abstract: An enclosure for protecting at least a portion of a printed circuit board that includes a top and bottom cover each having an insulating layer between an outer conductive layer and an inner conductive layer. Each outer conductive layer and each inner conductive layer are electrically connected to a voltage source to form tamper detection circuits. The enclosure further includes cover switches to detect attempts to lift or remove the covers and a thermal sensor/switch or the like for indicating that a temperature inside the enclosure has moved past a predetermined level due to a tamper attempt. A detection circuit generates and transmits a signal to cause sensitive information contained in one or more electronic components provided on the circuit board to be erased when a tamper attempt is detected.

Abstract: A mailing machine print head and carriage that use one or more systems or elements to latch the print head in a controlled location and to guide it into and out of that location in a manner that prevents debris from being transferred to the electrical connector contacts is provided.

Abstract: A mailing machine including a postage meter for printing evidence of postage payment on a media includes a registration surface, a print head, an envelope transport having at least two nips for keeping the media from skewing and contacting the print head, a media ski ending upstream of the registration surface for pushing the media into contact with the registration surface, and at least one star wheel disposed in an opening of the registration surface for holding the media down as it is fed through the mailing machine.

Abstract: A postage meter includes a print head, a purge unit for removing waste ink from the print head, an ink tray for receiving the waste ink, and a mechanism for heating the ink tray to promote evaporation of the waste ink.

Abstract: A postage meter includes a print head, a purge unit for removing waste ink from the print head, and an ink tray assembly for receiving the waste ink. The ink tray assembly includes a tray and a vapor-permeable, liquid-impermeable cover membrane across the opening of the tray.