Abstract: The invention is a method of in-line addressing, for both matched and non-matched mail, comprising a number of steps which begin with the generation of document data in a data processing system and then transmitting that document data to a document printer. The document data is printed, at the document printer, onto a substrate which is subsequently fed to an accumulator. Additionally, address data is generated in the data processing system and transmitted to an envelope printer where the address data is printed to one or more envelopes. The envelope printer is capable of printing a return address, a destination address, and a bar code in respect of the destination address upon the envelope. The address data can be merged with graphics data so that the envelope printer is further capable of printing graphics on the envelope. Once at the accumulator, predetermined batches of one or more sheets of the printed substrate are fed into a sheet folder.

Abstract: The invention is a method whereby the throughput of a printer is varied according to the length of the media piece (e.g., cut-sheet or envelope) that is being fed into the printer feed path. The media piece moves into the feed path by use of a set of take-up rollers and is directed toward a sensor; the sensor detects the piece's leading edge and becomes activated. The activated sensor in turn activates additional feed roller sets which move the media piece along the feed path. Additionally, the sensor detects the trailing edge of the media piece and asks the printer if another image is to be printed. If another image is to be printed, then the take-up rollers are activated and begin feeding the next piece of media. If another image is not to be printed, then the sensor is deactivated. The feed rollers move the media piece along the printer's feed path and toward a second sensor which detects the leading edge of the media piece and is activated.

Abstract: In a printing system including an ink jet printhead, a supply of ink therefor, and structure for controlling the printhead for ejecting ink droplets therefrom, apparatus comprising, a disposable cartridge including the ink supply and printhead, the cartridge including a front wall and a base wall, the cartridge base wall including a foot portion extending to the cartridge front wall and defining therewith a lower frontal edge, structure for supporting the cartridge, the supporting structure including a front wall, the supporting structure including a portion of the printhead controlling structure, the portion including an electrical connector overlaying the supporting structure front wall, the connector including a plurality of exposed electrical terminals, the supporting structure including oppositely spaced shoe portions extending both toward one another and forwardly of the supporting structure front wall for positioning the cartridge relative to the supporting structure terminals when the cartridge is mou

Abstract: In apparatus for feeding respective sheets including framework and a deck mounted thereon for supporting a plurality of sheets in an upright stack thereof, wherein the deck defines a path of travel for respective lowermost sheets to be fed from the stack, and the stack has an upstream end and a downstream end, an improvement for facilitating feeding lowermost sheets from the stack, the improvement comprising a platform connected to the framework, the platform including a base wall portion having a longitudinal length extending upstream from the upstream end of the deck; a stack supporting member, the member including an upright upper wall portion having a lower end, the member including a lower wall portion extending upstream from the upper wall portion's lower end and forming therewith an elongate downstream marginal edge having a wedge-shaped transverse cross-section; and structure for adjustably mounting the stack supporting member on the platform, the mounting structure including first structure for movin

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding respective sheets from a stack thereof comprising structure for supporting a plurality of sheets in an upright stack thereof, the supporting structure including an upright wall, the supporting structure including a deck extending beneath the wall and defining a path of travel for respective sheets fed from the stack, the deck extending transverse to the path of travel; structure for successively feeding respective sheets downstream in the path of travel, the feeding structure including opposed outfeed rollers downstream of the upright wall, the feeding structure including an elongate first roller longitudinally extending transverse to the path of travel upstream of the upright wall, the feeding structure including an elongate second roller longitudinally extending transverse to the path of travel upstream of the fist roller, the feeding structure including structure for driving the outfeed and first and second rollers; structure for controlling the driving structure, and the controlling

Abstract: Apparatus for drying ink on a sheet fed downstream therebeneath in a predetermined path of travel, the apparatus comprising; framework, structure for blowing air downwardly toward the path of travel of a sheet, the air blowing structure including an electrically operable axial fan connected to the framework, an elongate member connected to the framework for location thereof beneath the fan, the member including an elongate upper wall and elongate oppositely disposed side walls depending from the upper wall, the upper wall having a light reflecting inner surface, structure for providing infrared light, the light providing structure including an elongate electrically-operable infrared lamp connected to the framework for location thereof within the member, and the upper wall of the member including a plurality of elongate parallel-spaced louvers formed therefrom and extending transversely of the longitudinal length thereof, each of the louvers including an aperture and vane associated with each other, each of th

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting a sheet comprising, a frame including an elongate generally rectangularly-shaped upper wall having opposite ends, at least one endless belt looped about the upper wall, the at least one belt including a belt run overlaying the upper wall and extending longitudinally of the length thereof between the opposite upper wall ends, a d.c. motor supported by the frame and connected for driving the at least one belt in opposite directions, structure for connecting the apparatus to a source of supply of a.c.

Abstract: A postage meter having a plurality of value wheels extending through a window in a housing, and die protector bars between the value wheels, the die protector bars having a first position at which they extend a further distance from the housing than the value wheels, and a second, retracted, position. The die protector bars extend in the housing between a pivot block and a cam block. A die shield is slidably movable between a first position aligned with the window, and a second, retracted, position. The cam block and dead bolt are positively moved in common via cam surfaces, by a rotatable yoke. A latch lever may engage the dead bolt to latch the postage meter to a mailing machine.