Abstract: The postage meter has a removable head on a base and includes a sheath carrying a print drum in the head. The sheath is rotatably mounted in the head. The bore in the sheath is accessible from a far side of the head. The meter further includes a spindle which is rotatably mounted in the base and which is coupled to an internal drive mechanism for driving the platen in the base, and whose "near" end portion receives the sheath when the head is installed on the base, for the purpose of driving the sheath and thus the drum from the base.

Abstract: Device for adjusting print wheels of a franking machine print head where said print head is removable from a base unit and comprises a print drum incorporating said print wheels and carried at a forward end of a sleeve having its rear end projecting from the rear of the print head. The base unit has a location at the front for the print head and comprises a drive mechanism, control circuits connected to the drive mechanism and a rotating shaft coupled to the drive mechanism and partially projecting into the location for the print head to receive the sleeve on it and to drive the print drum. The device comprises a drive system comprising at least one drive motor and at least one driving gear coupled to the control circuit. Driven gears are each coupled to a different print wheel mounted with it in the print head. Sliding rods with front and rear racks thereon are mounted in the print head with the front rack of each rod meshing with one of the driven gears to impart thereto movement from the drive system.

Abstract: An automatically settable date printing apparatus adapted particularly for use in postage meters which print an indicia on envelopes as they are fed seriatim past a rotary printing drum in the postage meter in which a plurality of print wheels print the day, month and year successively for each day. The apparatus includes a date print wheel assembly having individual print wheels for printing the unit day, the decade day, the month and the year for any given date. A drive wheel assembly includes a plurality of independent drive wheels for driving the date print wheels an appropriate amount, the drive wheel which is connected to the unit day print wheel being the sole source of input drive for the other drive wheels which rotate the other date print wheels by an appropriate amount through transfer components on the drive wheels.

Abstract: A mailing machine base includes a postage meter insertable and removable from a receptacle means, said receptacle means being mounted within said base and a tape feed assembly positioned between a home position and a second position. A tape frame assembly includes a first frame section including feed means for receiving a tape and causing said tape to displace in said tape track and gear means for driving said feed means, said tape track being fixably mounted to said first frame section at one end and aligned to receive tape from said feed means.

Abstract: An article feeding apparatus comprising a driven roller and a pressure roller resiliently urged toward the driven roller. Movement of the pressure roller toward the driven roller is controlled by means of a damper containing material having electro-rheological properties. An electric potential of controlled magnitude is applied selectively to the material to control movement of the pressure roller. The apparatus is described in relation to a print drum and impression roller of a franking machine.

Abstract: A clutch and brake mechanism for a mechanical drive of print drum in a franking machine is disclosed which utilizes a clutch and brake operated by means of electric potentials applied across an electro-rheological fluid. Elements of the clutch and brake are formed with annular walls which are interposed to form opposed electrodes between which the electro-rheological fluid is contained. Application of electric potentials to the fluid is controlled by a microprocessor.

Abstract: A document imprinting device for imprinting on documents such as checks, and its method of use, comprising a frame, a document feeding mechanism mounted on the frame for sequentially feeding documents, a conveying mechanism for conveying a document from the document feeding mechanism along a document conveyance path, an imprinting mechanism for imprinting the documents conveyed along the document conveyance path, said imprinting mechanism including a print drum mounted on a rotatable shaft having a generally round surface with a flat segment, a sensing mechanism positioned along the document conveyance path for sensing the position of the documents and for triggering the imprinting mechanism such that the document is imprinted at a desired location on the document, and rotation detecting means for detecting whether said shaft makes a rotation.

Abstract: The improved combination is comprised of a postage meter insertable into and removable from a base receptacle. The postage meter includes a housing, an aperture in housing and aperture shield positionable along the housing to selectively cover or uncover the aperture. The receptacle has an engaging assembly for engaging the shield of a predetermined location of the postage meter within the receptacle. A drive motor is provided for driving the engaging assembly for positioning the shield. The drive motor is mounted in the base and can be selectively coupled to the engaging assembly.

Abstract: A platen module is fixably mounted to the base of a modular mailing machine. A support wall is fixably mounted to the base. Also fixably mounted to the base of the mailing machine is a drive motor having an output shaft and plurality of gears fixably mounted to the respective ends of the output shaft. A guide rod is slidably mounted vertically to the support wall and a platen plate fixably mounted to the guide rod. A plurality of rack post are fixably mounted at one end to the platen plate and in constant mesh with a respective one of the gears.

Abstract: An improved digital mark-printer operated under control of a microprocessor and control program. A main shaft including a printing head with a plurality of numeral wheels is driven by drive circuits and the position of the shaft and wheels are sensed by sensor circuits, all under control of the microprocessor.

Abstract: A mixed mail processing machine comprising a series of modules for performing mail processing functions on the mail pieces as they are transported, oriented horizontally, along a feed deck bordered by a reference surface for registering the mail piece edges, the feed deck being tilted by an angle of 4.degree.-6.degree. off of a horizontal plane for utilizing the assistance of gravity forces to maintain the mail pieces registered.

Abstract: A print drum for a postage meter has a drum structure provided with a plurality of recesses in its periphery. One of these recesses accommodates a print wheel assembly and at least some of the other recesses are provided with axially extending means whereby imprinting dies can be slid in and out. The movement in and out of the recesses is in a direction substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the print drum.

Abstract: A postage meter module includes die protector blades to prevent fraudulent taking of postage meter imprints. A first plurality of die protectors are retracted to expose the adjacent printwheels when the meter makes a check on its internal condition. The remainder of the die protectors are retracted under different conditions while the first are still retracted in order to enable an imprint to be taken. Preferably the remainder of the die protectors are retracted only for a predetermined interval after a print signal has been received. The die protectors also serve to align the printwheels when the protectors are retracted.

Abstract: A stamp printing machine has print drum carrying print wheels which are settable by push buttons to print a selected value of postage charge. The drum is driven by a mechanical device such as tensator spring motor. The motor is manually primed and a trip lever operated by insertion of mail item releases the print drum to rotate through one revolution to print the stamp on the mail item. The stamp machine may include a calculator on which the postage value may be manually entered. Electrical contacts operated by the rotation of the drum are connected across the M+ button of the calculator to add the postage amount to its memory.

Abstract: Device for printing endorsements on documents passing through a document processing apparatus. The device comprises a rotatable outer housing having a cylindrically shaped exterior surface and a ring gear having a toothed first part and a toothless second part. A stamp for printing endorsements and at least one band having digits or characters thereon form a substantially continuous surface with the exterior surface of the outer housing. When the endorsing device is rotated by a pinion meshing with the ring gear, the digits or characters, as well as the stamp, contact a document passing through the document processing apparatus. During the rotation of the outer housing, further rotation is prevented by an arm which engages a projection on the outer housing and biasing means which biases the arm into locked engagement with the projection. When the arm engages the projection, the pinion is unable to rotate the outer housing as the toothless part of the ring gear is now facing the pinion.

Abstract: A cutter module for a mailing machine having a support wall and base includes a cutter support member slideably mounted to one of the mailing machine support walls such that the cutter support member can be slideably displaced longitudinally traversed to a tape portion. The mailing machine includes tape eject mechanism for ejecting indicia printed tape portions. A rotary cutter blade is rotatively mounted to the cutter support member. A drive mechanism reciprocally displaces the cutter support member traverse to the tape portion. A cutter beam is provided coactive with the rotary cutter blade.

Abstract: A document imprinting device for imprinting on documents such as checks comprises a frame, a document feeding mechanism mounted on the frame for sequentially feeding documents, a conveying mechanism for conveying a document from the document feeding mechanism along a document conveyance path, an imprinting mechanism for imprinting the documents conveyed along the document conveyance path, and a sensing mechanism positioned along the document conveyance path for sensing the position of the documents and for triggering the imprinting mechanism such that the document is imprinted at a desired location on the document.

Abstract: Document handling apparatus 10 includes a reception platen 32 disposed below and movable with respect to a dot-matrix printer 28 having a printer head 30. A document placed on the platen 32 can therefore be brought into register with the printer head 30 by the raising and/or lowering of the platen 32 which is caused by a solenoid 48 linked to an eccentric cam 40 disposed below the platen 32. Rubber stoppers 38, 39 act as spacing means to ensure that a document in contact with the platen 32 and the stoppers 38 is at a distance from the printing head 30 pre-determined to allow the head 30 during its operation to contact the document's surface. Rollers 52 cause the document to be moved over the platen 32 and a sensor is provided to sense the presence of the document and actuate the solenoid.

Abstract: The modular mailing machine has a plurality of modules mounted in such a manner as to form a single process station. At the process station, a meter module is mounted in spaced relationship to a platen module. A tape module is mounted in the mailing machine; such the tape module tape track is supported in a generally cantilevered manner. A tape positioner selectively positions a support from a home position to second position longitudinally removed from the home position to cause the tape track to be located between the meter and platen modules. A tape feed selectively feeds one of a plurality of imprinting tapes to and through the tape track such that the fed imprinting tape resides within the tape track when the tape track is in the second position.

Abstract: A postage meter includes a printwheel setting mechanism which allows shortest path setting of the printwheel. Stepper motors are provided for each printwheel which drives the printwheels through a transfer gear having a large diameter and greater number of teeth so that there are multiple positions of the transfer wheel which correspond to a particular character to be printed by the printwheel. The stepper motors are microprocessor controlled and a routine calculates the shortest rotational path of the setting of a new character for printing.

Abstract: A unit drive assembly (2; 84; 102) is used with postage meters (4) of the type which include a stationary base (6; 86; 104, 106) and moveably print head (8; 88; 108). The base and print head are mechanically connected so that input information to the base is mechanically transmitted to the print head. The assembly includes one or more drive tracks (10; 90; 110) along which a series of balls (16; 96; 112) are positioned. A first portion (12; 118; 120) of the drive track is carried by the base while a second portion (14; 116) is carried by the head. The first and second portions are aligned when the head is in the home position; it is at this time a ball drive (28; 42; 92; 102), carried by the base, moves the balls along the track discrete distances equal to one or more ball diameters.

Abstract: An encoder for a wheel or other devices with relative movement comprises in the use of a printwheel, a linear Hall-effect sensor and magnet mounted in a non-ferrous metal shaft with a flux conducting spiral ring molded in the printwheel and encircling the shaft. The angular position of the printwheel is absolutely determined by the magnitude of the signal relative to the transition point of the spiral. The values are converted to digital information and stored in non-volatile memory for comparison to the values measured as the wheel is positioned during operation of the wheel. In another embodiment, a second Hall-effect sensor is placed on the shaft opposite the first sensor to provide an enhanced signal.

Abstract: In a mailing machine including an impression roller, a postage indicia printing drum overhanging the impression roller, and apparatus for rotating the impression roller and drum in timed relationship with one another for feeding a sheet beneath the drum and in printing engagement therewith, wherein the feeding apparatus includes shaft structure on which the impression roller is mounted for rotation therewith, there is provided an improved impression roller.

Abstract: A postage meter die in a postage meter includes a printwheel assembly for printing ZIP CODE or other location information in place of the CITY-STATE information normally required for Post Office licensed postage meters. The printer assembly is accessible by authorized personnel to allow the ZIP CODE to be changed to correspond to the ZIP CODE location of the meter user.

Abstract: In a machine including driving apparatus and structure for feeding a sheet through and from the machine, and wherein the machine includes structure for sensing a sheet, an improvement comprising: a rotary timing cam; an actuating member movable into and out of locking engagement with the cam; a source of supply of d.c. power; a circuit for controlling the driving apparatus, the circuit including a trip switch actuatable in response to the sensing structure sensing a sheet fed to the machine; the driving apparatus responsive to actuation of the trip switch for causing the actuating member to move out of locking engagement with the cam and then causing the cam to rotate; and the circuit including structure for disabling the trip switch for a predetermined time period after the driving apparatus commences rotating the cam.

Abstract: An encoder for a wheel comprises a linear Hall-effect sensor and magnet mounted on a non-ferrous metal shaft. A ferrous metal ring having a toothed structure extending inward such that each tooth ends at a point on a spiral curve is molded into the printwheel encircling the shaft. The Hall-effect sensor output provides a determined output when each tooth is positioned over the sensor to enable an absolute position determination while the signal drop off between the teeth as the wheel is moved allows for counting the steps between settings for relative encoding and redundancy.

Abstract: An improved locking apparatus for preventing access to the print die of a postage meter which is protected by a shutter when it is removed from its base include a carriage and slide crack which are reciprocated by a solenoid in a direction transverse to the deadbolt which locks the shutter from moving. The operation of the carriage and slide crank prevent the deadbolt from being reciprocated by force applied to the deadbolt. A groove in the deadbolt interlocks with a slot on the shutter to allow the solenoid to be deactuated. A return spring in the solenoid is sized to prevent acceleration forces from moving the deadbolt.

Abstract: Apparatus for counting and endorsing documents in which a motor drives respective pairs of feed rollers to move documents along a feed path from an input location and along the feed path to an output location. Movement of an endorser adjacent to the feed path from an inoperative position to an operative position reduces the motor excitation to cause the rollers to move the documents along the path at a slower rate.

Abstract: In a mailing machine including a postage meter, wherein the postage meter includes rotary printing structure for printing indicia on a sheet fed to the machine, and the machine includes apparatus for driving the printing structure, wherein the driving apparatus includes a drive gear, the driving apparatus includes a locking member movable into and out of locking engagement with the drive gear, the driving apparatus includes an actuating member for moving the locking member, and wherein the machine includes trip structure for sensing a sheet fed to the machine, an improvement comprising: a source of supply of d.c. power; a first circuit connected across the power supply and including a solenoid and a trip switch actuatable for energizing the solenoid; a second circuit connected across the power supply and including a d.c.

Abstract: In a machine including driving apparatus and structure for sensing a sheet fed to the machine; an improvement comprising: a rotary timing cam; an actuating member movable into and out of locking engagement with the cam; a source of supply of d.c. power; a first circuit connected across the power supply and including a solenoid and a trip switch actuatable for energizing the solenoid; a second circuit connected across the power supply and including a d.c. motor and a motor switch actuatable for energizing and deenergizing the motor; and the trip switch actuated in response to the sensing structure sensing a sheet fed to the machine, and the driving apparatus causing the actuating member to move out of locking engagement with the cam and actuate the motor switch for energizing the motor to drive the cam when the solenoid is energized.

Abstract: In a mailing machine including a postage meter, wherein the postage meter includes rotary structure for printing indicia on a sheet fed to the machine, wherein the machine includes structure for driving the printing structure, wherein the machine includes apparatus for feeding a sheet fed thereto downstream in a path of travel through the machine, the sheet feeding apparatus includes an impression roller rotatably mounted beneath the rotary printing means, and wherein the impression roller has an inner end and an outer end, an improvement comprising: trip apparatus including an elongate trip lever and a shaft on which the lever is pivotally mounted, the trip lever extending into the path of travel; the driving apparatus including a trip switch actuatable for starting operation of the driving apparatus; the trip apparatus including a spring connected to the trip lever for normally holding the trip lever in actuating engagement with the trip switch to actuate the trip switch for maintaining the driving apparatu

Abstract: The franking value or stamp index wheels mounted in the franking head of the franking machine are adjusted by in each case one pinion, which meshes with the engagement tooth system of a rack. In addition, each rack is provided with a driving tooth system electromagnetically operated by adjusting rams and a retaining tooth system in which engage two retaining pawls. An electromagnetic drive engages and disengages the retaining pawls with the retaining tooth system when the machine main shaft is in the set position. A sensor monitors the engagement movement of the retaining pawls, so that an incorrect position of the racks and therefore an incorrect setting is detectable by the franking machine control unit.

Abstract: A cutter module for a mailing machine having a support wall and base includes a cutter support member slideably mounted to one of the mailing machine support walls such that the cutter support member can be slideably displaced longitudinally traversed to a tape portion. The mailing machine includes tape eject mechanism for ejecting indicia printed tape portions. A rotary cutter blade is rotatively mounted to the cutter support member. A drive mechanism reciprocally displaces the cutter support member traverse to the tape portion. A cutter beam is provided coactive with the rotary cutter blade.

Abstract: In a mailing machine including a postage meter and a housing for supporting the postage meter, wherein the mailing machine includes means for individually feeding sheets in a path of travel through the machine, wherein the postage meter includes rotary means for printing indicia on the sheets; and wherein the postage meter includes a roller spaced downstream in the path of travel from the rotary printing means, an improvement in the sheet feeding means, the improvement comprising: an impression roller and a shaft on which the impression roller is mounted for rotation therewith; an ejection roller and a shaft on which the ejection roller is mounted for rotation therewith; an elongate carriage including a pair of side walls spaced apart from each other, one end of each of the side walls including an arcuately-shaped portion pivotally attaching the carriage to the housing and forming a generally C-shaped bearing bushing; the ejection roller shaft rotatably mounted with the bearing bushings for supporting the eje

Abstract: In a mailing machine including a postage meter and means for feeding a sheet through and from the machine, wherein the postage meter includes rotary printing structure for printing indicia on a sheet fed through the machine, and the machine includes apparatus for driving the printing structure, wherein the driving apparatus includes a drive gear for rotating the printing structure, the driving apparatus includes a shutter bar movable into and out of locking engagement with the drive gear, the driving appartus includes an actuating member for moving the shutter bar, and wherein the machine includes trip structure for sensing a sheet, an improvement comprising: a source of supply of d.c.

Abstract: A postage meter having a rotable print drum also has a control arrangement ensuring that power is fed to the motor which drives the print drum via at least two parallel paths. One of these paths is operative to cause the motor to be driven until an envelope trip switch signifies that the envelope is fully discharged from the meter, irrespective of whether the other path is electrically conductive or not.

Abstract: A postage meter module is removable from the mailing machine base. In order to protect the print die, a shutter is provided to cover the die. The cover can be moved to expose the die only when the meter is installed on an appropriate meter base. At all other times the shutter is locked in position to cover the print die.

Abstract: The printwheel setting apparatus comprises a voice coil motor having a magnet reciprocating in a coil which magnet is connected by a flexible link to a picker link for advancing the printwheel. The picker link has a picker cam which cooperates with a cam stud to cause a tooth on the picker-link to engage a slot on the printwheel and to rotate the printwheel as the voice coil motor magnet moves to a position for again advancing the printwheel when the magnet moves in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A mailing machine for mounting of a suitable postage meter thereon includes means for initiating a postage meter print cycle. The postage meter includes a shutter means which will prevent full execution of the postage meter print cycle if not properly enabled. The mailing machine includes a shutter lever means in driving communication with the shutter means for controllably causing the shutter means to experience reciprocal motion. The mailing machine further includes control means for simultaneously causing the postage meter to begin a print cycle and cause the shutter lever means to being displacement of the shutter means. However, if the shutter means is not properly enabled, the control means will cause the shutter lever means to return to a home position for a retry.

Abstract: This invention relates to a postage meter having a plurality of worm gears for adjusting the rotational position of postage print wheels. Each worm gear selectively moves a rack which is an engagement with a postage print wheel so as to provide rotational movement to the print wheel. Sensors are provided so that the rotational position of each worm gear can be determined thereby indicating the position of the print wheels. A sleeve is located within the housing to provide support to the worm gears and maintain alignment of the racks during printing.

Abstract: This invention relates to a postage meter having a plurality of worm gears for adjusting the rotational position of postage print wheels. Each worm gear selectively moves a rack which is an engagement with a postage print wheel so as to provide rotational movement to the print wheel. Sensors are provided so that the rotational position of each worm gear can be determined thereby indicating the position of the print wheels.

Abstract: A printwheel setting mechanism suitable for automatic daters or other printwheel units comprises a verge drive for each printwheel and a solenoid travelling on a carriage which is selectively positionable actuating any one of the verge drives. The verge drive includes a verge which oscillates to advance a starwheel as the solenoid is actuated and deactuated. A pin wheel fixed for rotation with the starwheel engages slots on the printwheel for advancing it.

Abstract: An impression roller assembly including an ejector roller for a postage meter or like machine includes a first member pivotable about a substantially horizontal axis, an impression roller carried at or towards the free end of the first member, a second member pivotable relative to the first member about an axis co-incident with the rotation axis of the first impression roller, an ejector roller mounted at or towards the free end of the second member, and means for driving the ejector roller. In use, rotation of the impression roller by the drive of the machine directly or indirectly causes rotation of an ejector roller.

Abstract: The method utilizes an encoding switch to derive encoded position signals representing the current position of a member such as the print element of a franking machine. The switch has conductive strips and in order to ensure reliable operation of the switch the strips have substantial length. However for correct printing it is necessary that not only is the selected type character at the printing position but that it is precisely positioned to achieve correct printing of the character. In order to obtain this precise positioning of the print element the encoded position signals are utilized to move the selected type character to the print position and the print element is then moved by a predetermined distance to achieve precise positioning of the type character within the printing position.

Abstract: Rotary operated character selection apparatus is provided for postage meters having a rotating print drum and at least one print wheel in the drum for printing a selected character on an envelope or label. One set of print wheels may be provided for value selection, and another set of print wheels may be provided for date selection. The print wheels are turned by rotating print wheel gears, located adjacent an opening in an outside surface of the drum, by rotating the drum to a preselection position to engage the print wheel gear with a mating gear located outside of the drum, and rotating the mating gear until the proper print wheel character is selected. Devices are provided to determine the rotational angle of the drum and the positions of the print wheels, and an appropriate control system is provided, preferably with an input keyboard for selecting the value of postage to be dispensed and printed, and the date.

Abstract: A postage meter has a print drum with print wheels which are shiftable to select the value of the postage. The positions of the print wheels are controlled by the positions of associated gears which in turn are controlled by a value setting drive mechanism. A unitary motor effects movement of a pinion from gear to gear and of the individual gears to set the values of the print wheels and also other drive functions of the meter.

Abstract: A machine and process for printing sets of documents each having common repetitive impressions such as security backgrounds and general information identifying a banking entity, semi-repetitive impressions such as personalized account and bank branch information, and wherein each document in the set has its own differentiated impressions such as the number of the check and a magnetic reading strip containing machine readable information, comprising a reporter-impression matrix plate which carries the semi-repetitive impressions and which is mounted on a printing cylinder, printing the documents with the semi-repetitive impressions using the reporter-impression matrix plate, providing a further reporter-impression matrix plate which has a printing length divided by the number of differentiated impressions that are needed to print the set of documents, and printing each document with its own differentiated impression which is taken from the further matrix plate.

Abstract: A mailing machine for conveying envelopes seriatim along a feed path toward a postage meter operatively connected to said mailing machine. The mailing machine includes a housing frame, a deck secured to the frame for supporting the envelopes, the deck having a longitudinal slot therein, a lower, driven, feed roller rotatably mounted on the frame, and an electro-mechanical tripper mounted on the frame for actuating the postage meter, the tripper projecting upwardly through the deck slot adjacent and downstream of the lower feed roller.

Abstract: To enable a single motor in a franking machine to set the printing wheels in a printing drum in addition to rotating the drum and feeding items of mail through the machine, four carriages, each carrying a rocker and solenoids are mounted on two pairs of continuously rotating lead screws. Each carriage is connected by a ring shoe to a printing wheel via a selecting bar in the drum arbor. Solenoid moves rocker to engage screw to drive the carriage in one direction. Movement in the opposite direction is by screw controlled by solenoid. Each carriage sets an encoding switch to enable a microcomputer to know the state of the printing wheels. Each new value is fed, for example, by a keyboard, to the microcomputer which determines the movement, if any, of each carriage to set the new value on the printing wheels.

Abstract: Postal franking apparatus in which both semi-permanent and variable information to be printed onto an envelope is stored electrically in a memory and is read out to form printing control signals for controlling a thermal printer containing thermally activable inking means at a printing station into which the envelope is placed. The thermal printer is in the form of an elongate conductive plate having a large plurality of electrical connections along its length to which are fed the printing control signals in synchronized relationship to passage of the envelope, the plate being of sufficiently high resistivity that only localized areas thereof are heated by the currents associated with the control signals, and ink is applied to the envelope only at the heated localities.