Abstract: In a method for automatic ordering of supply items for a device which are consumed during usage of the device and an arrangement for the implementation of the method, a predetermined consumption quantity for a supply item is monitored and is evaluated relative to threshold of the consumption quantity which occurs earlier than complete depletion of the supply item, a communication connection between the device and a remote data center is established and automatic generation and communication of an ordering message takes place, the ordering message including an identification code, identification of the ordering entity is made on the basis of the identification code, and the order of the supply item belonging to the device is determined and filled.

Abstract: A delivery service is operated using a method that receives a mail piece addressed to an entity. The mail piece includes postage indicia indicating an initial value. The delivery service determines a cost for delivering the mail piece to the entity. The delivery service modifies the postage indicia to indicate a remaining value wherein the remaining value indicates the initial value reduced by the cost for delivering the mail piece. The delivery service delivers the mail piece to the entity. The entity presents the postage indicia to the delivery service and the delivery service compensates the entity for the remaining value of the postage indicia.

Abstract: An on-line VBI printing system that includes one or more cryptographic modules and a central database. The cryptographic modules are capable of implementing a variety of required security standards. A client system provides a user friendly GUI for facilitating the interface of the user to the system. The GUI system includes wizards that help the user step-by-step with processes of registration, logging into the system, and printing the VBI. In one aspect, the invention describes an on-line system for printing a value bearing item (VBI) that includes a memory for storing information specific to a first computer used by the user for registering with the on-line system, wherein the information is used by the server system to identify the first computer and a re-registration wizard for requiring the user to re-register if a second computer used by the user is not the same as the first computer used for registering the user.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiment of the present invention will provide computer systems and methods for protecting the security of processing for customization of computer-based value-bearing items, such as, for example, securing processing of exemplary image-customized computer-based postage label 1 in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as depicted in FIG. 1. The exemplary embodiment of the present invention will further provide computer systems and methods for securing computer-based value-bearing items, such as, for example, securing image-customized computer-based postage label 1 as depicted in FIG. 1. With reference to FIG. 1, the exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will bear an image 2 that would be provided by a corresponding user, namely by the user that orders the customized computer-based postage label. The user may provide image 2 in an electronic form, such as by uploading a digital representation of image 2.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide physical verification of a correct association between information printed on a closed face package and material and/or information contained inside the closed face package. A closed face package with a document or article inserted therein has a window permitting a portion of the document to be read from a location outside of the package. A first optical device is employed to read data printed on the package and a second optical device is employed to read document data, which document data is printed on the inserted document and appears through the window of the package. A data file is read to access account information stored therein corresponding to the document data. The accessed account information is compared with the package data to determine whether a matching association exists between the package data and the document data. If the matching association is determined to exist, the package is allowed to be further processed.

Abstract: An on-line system for printing a value bearing item (VBI) that includes a client subsystem for interfacing with a user, a cryptographic device remote from the client subsystem for authenticating a plurality of users, and a server subsystem capable of communicating with the client subsystem and having code for providing customer support to a user, for administering a user VBI meter, for providing payment administration support to a user, providing accounts receivable support to a user, meter refund and withdrawal processing support to a user, providing misprint processing support to a user, and providing payment processing and billing functions. A method implementing these features is also provided.

Abstract: In a postage payment system, a secure integrated circuit (IC) card is used to manage postage funds, and create encrypted postage indicia. Among other things, the system is capable of performing charge-back accounting of postage expenses and generating mail contents. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the postage indicia are applied onto selected locations of the mail contents while they are being generated. In the preferred embodiment, each mail content is placed in a window envelope such that the postage indicium on the mail content exposes through a window of the envelope to facilitate inspection of the indicium. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, by including transactional data in addition to the traditional postal data in a postage indicium, the indicium can be used to pay bills, purchase products and services, including any courier service different than the postal service.

Abstract: A method of operating a postage metering system for printing a postage indicium for use with a business reply mail piece. The method includes the step(s) of: (i) transmitting a registration ID number to a data center, the registration ID number being associated a particular mail campaign of which the business replay mail piece is a part; (ii) receiving postage indicium information from the data center, the postage indicium information including delivery address information generated using the registration ID number; and (iii) printing the postage indicium on the business reply mail piece using the postage indicium information.

Abstract: An indicia authentication system includes a franking device for embedding identification and encrypted authentication data into indicia and applying the indicia to an article, and a computing device for utilizing the identification data to retrieve a key for deciphering the encrypted authentication data, where the computing device is adapted to utilize the deciphered authentication data to determine the validity of the indicia.

Abstract: A postage metering system for applying indicia including postage value on mail items, the system including: a keyboard for inputting information; a printer for printing indicia; an accounting module for accounting for postage value applied to mail items; and a security module for requiring a user to input an operating code prior to further operation of the system, the security module being configured to compare the input operating code with at least one stored valid operating code and cause the printer in a printing operation to print an indicium having a zero postage value where the input operating code and any stored operating code do not match and printing of an indicium is requested.

Abstract: In a system and a method for postal matter processing, with automatic reception of postal matter in receiving stations and with a staggered postal matter processing, acquisition of shipping data and providing the postal matter with a machine-readable marking and storage of the mail take place in the receiving stations. The marked postal matter is transported to a remote distributing station having at least one franking means at which transfer of the shipping data allocated to the marking into a memory of the franking means ensues. The postal matter is franked in the distributing station according to the data that are stored in the memory allocated to the marking.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a closed feedback system for operating peripheral devices in response to environmental conditions. Illustrative environmental conditions include well bore pressure, line pressure, fluid levels, flow rates and the like. In one embodiment, a flow controller disposed in a fluid line is operated in response to operating variable readings (e.g., pressure and/or flow rate) taken in the flow line and/or a well bore. The variable measurements are then compared to target values. If necessary, the flow controller is closed or opened to control the rate of fluid flow through the flow line and thereby achieve the desired target values. In another embodiment, the operation of a pump motor is monitored. Operating variables, such as voltage, current and load, are measured and compared to target values.

Abstract: A virtual postage metering system and method provides value added services corresponding to postage metering transactions. Funds are not stored at a user's site, reducing the risk of unauthorized modification of accounting balances. There is a database record of every mailpiece, thereby improving verification since all valid pieces are known. Furthermore, the present invention enables the Post to know the volume of mail to be processed prior to receipt of physical mail pieces. Since more mailer data is available (e.g. when users usually mail, how much mail per day, average postage amount) the virtual postage metering system enables the postal service to predict mail handling patterns. Additionally, users have the option to pay as they go which contrasts present systems in which funds must be on deposit prior to being downloaded to a meter although such downloaded funds may remain in the meter for weeks before being used.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for creating computer-based postage that may be used on any date and with an undetermined addressee includes generating a request to print postage, determining the means for generating the request, determining the master serial number for label stock, tracking the master serial number and printing the postage. The present invention provides for the creation of computer-based postage that may be used in a manner similar to standard postage issued by the USPS. In a presently preferred embodiment, the intended address of the recipient need not be verified at the time the postage is created. Rather the postage may be used at any time in the future with any recipient.

Abstract: In an arrangement to generate a print image for franking and postmarking machines a control unit electronically controls a printer and storage unit for data that are printed in predetermined sections of the print image. Controlled by the electronic control unit, a selected section is printed with special postal information by the printer in a second position to the left next to a first position. The special postal information characterize a private mail carrier. The electronic control unit of the device is connected with a mail processor that determines data that enable mail piece processing and sorting at the private mail carrier.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for generating a print image, particularly a franking imprint, on a first image carrier composed of at least one first partial image and a second partial image offset thereto transversely relative to a first direction, whereby a relative motion between a print head and an image carrier is generated along a first direction in a first step for generating the first partial image. A transverse offset between the print head and the image carrier is generated in a second direction proceeding transversely to the first direction in a second step. A relative motion between the print head and the image carrier is generated along the first direction in a third step for generating the second partial image. The waiting time interval between the end of the printing event of the first step and the beginning of the printing event of the third step has a length that is varied according to a prescribed function to prevent tampering.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for reading and decoding information extracted from a form. In the system of the present invention, packages are randomly placed on a conveyor belt, with their labels facing a two-camera subassembly. As the conveyor belt moves, the two-camera subassembly continuously takes images of the belt underneath the overhead camera. The design of the camera permits it to take a high resolution image of a non-singulated, unjustified package flow. A digital image of the packages within the field of view of the camera is then transferred to the processing system for analysis. The processing system identifies individual packages in the image, extracts them and then analyzes the information written on the package labels. The analysis process utilizes conventional Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and Intelligent Character Recognition (ICR) techniques to evaluate the information written on the package label.

Abstract: In a postage meter system (FIG. 2), a user enters information,indicative of a batch of mail pieces to be franked (30). The mail pieces are franked(31), and when the batch is completed, data relating to the batch are made the subject of a cryptographic engine(33). The data digitally signed, or a message authentication code (MAC) is derived, all in a postal security device (PSD)(32). The data are communicated(34), preferably by means of public-key cryptography(35). These data are then made available to the postal authority in a secure way.

Abstract: An embodiment of the system of the present invention generally comprises an automated mailpiece sorting apparatus and method and more particularly, the system generally comprises a pre-feeding apparatus, a diverter, a collection module, a mailpiece sorting apparatus. The pre-feeder apparatus comprises a pre-feeder and a singulator including a detection module. The pre-feeder apparatus is connected to the mailpiece sorting apparatus via a diverter. The diverter diverts hazardous mailpieces to the collection module and non-hazardous mailpieces to the mailpiece sorting apparatus. The mailpiece sorting apparatus comprises a feeder, an OCR system, a mailpiece transporter, bins for receiving sorted mailpieces, an OCR system for reading addressee information, an addressee database, a sort plan and a personal computer (PC) or microprocessor based control system. In an alternate embodiment a sanitizer is included downstream from the diverter and upstream from the sorting apparatus.

Abstract: A weight estimating system for estimating the weight of a mailpiece and a postage metering system including such a weight estimating system. The weight estimating system includes a measuring system, a diverter mechanism and a microprocessor system. The measuring system includes a transport, a first plurality of detectors for measuring the dimensions of the mailpiece and a second plurality of detectors for measuring values of other characteristics of the mailpiece which are indicative of the presence of non-paper materials in the mailpiece as the mailpiece is transported. The microprocessor is responsive to the second detectors to determine if non-paper materials are included in the mailpiece and, if not, determines the volume from the dimensional measurements and estimates the weight as the product of the volume and a density for paper output an appropriate postage amount to the meter and the mailpiece to the printer.

Abstract: A method and system for a virtual stamp dispensing metering system is provided wherein indicia of varying values are calculated at a data center and downloaded to a mailing machine on a periodic basis. The mailing machine securely stores the indicia and dispenses the indicia as needed. At the end of the period, any unused indicia are returned to the data center, the user's account is credited, and a new set of indicia are downloaded to the mailing machine. Accordingly, the processing requirements of the meter are reduced, as there is no longer any need to generate digital signatures, an attacker is prevented from generating indicia indefinitely if the security of the meter is compromised, as the cryptographic key is not resident at the meter, and tracking requirements of the meter are reduced, as the meter alone can not be used to generate postage funds.

Abstract: A method of reissuing digital tokens in an open system meter includes the steps of calculating a digital token using the predetermined postal information including addressee information, postage amount and piece count; debiting postal funds by the postage amount; issuing the digital token for generation of an indicia; storing the digital token and the predetermined postal information as part of a transaction record in a transaction record file indexed according to addressee information; determining that an indicia generated from the digital token has not been successfully printed on a mailpiece for a particular addressee; and reissuing the digital token from the transaction record in the transaction file to generate the indicia for another attempt to print the indicia on the mailpiece.

Abstract: In an arrangement and method for entering postage the contents of a franking image into a postage meter machine, the franking image is initially incompletely pre-installed. The franking imprint data for a selection are ordered at least according to mail carrier and/or countries in a data bank of the manufacturer and can be allocated to the serial number of the machine. The postage meter machine serial number is entered in a step separate therefrom. As needed, data can be loaded or selected with a specific, country-specific and/or carrier-specific chip card in order to finally configure the postage meter machine.

Abstract: A system for combined mailing of a plurality of diverse publications to a plurality of recipients at an optimized mail rate. The system includes a bindery for binding a plurality of the signatures where the bindery binding the plurality of signatures creates a plurality of first publications and a plurality of second publications. Each of the plurality of first and second publications are in a unique order, where the unique order identifies each of the plurality of first publications and each of the plurality of second publications with each of the plurality of recipients. A co-mailer is part of the system for combining the plurality of first publications with the plurality of second publications to form a plurality of diverse publications. The co-mailer merges the plurality of first and second publications in the unique order to send the plurality of diverse publications to the plurality of recipients at the optimized mail rate.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus, system, and method for postage stamp generation. The apparatus includes print module configured to print a customized image or text based stamp, and a communication module for receiving verification from a server. The apparatus may include a creation module for creating an image or text based stamp, and a selection module for selecting a stamp from a pre-approved selection of stamps. In one embodiment, the apparatus may comprise a personal computer configured for postage stamp generation. Alternatively, the apparatus may include handheld electronic devices, notebooks, or the like. The system may comprise the apparatus, a verification server, and a printer operatively coupled to the apparatus. The method comprises selecting or creating a stamp, sending the stamp to the server for verification, receiving verification, previewing the stamp, purchasing the stamp, and printing the stamp.

Abstract: A processor based postage metering system includes structure for entering user input data including first and second fold configurations selected from a plurality of fold configurations; apparatus for accounting for postage dispensed by the processor based postage metering system; a document program running on the processor based postage metering system, the document program operable for controlling creation of a document based on the user input data; apparatus for automatically determining based on the first fold configuration a first designated location within the document for printing a first evidence of postage; structure for automatically determining based on the second fold configuration a second designated location within the document for printing a second evidence of postage; and apparatus for printing the document and the first and second evidences of postage such that the first and second evidences of postage are respectively printed in the first and second designated locations of the document.

Abstract: In an arrangement for accounting for consumption of a resource, e.g., utilization of a postal service or utilities, a data center (503, 803) periodically communicates with multiple franking systems (100, 505-1, 505-2, 505-n) dispensing postage for the postal service utilization. The data center (503, 803) receives transaction records (301, 303, 305, 307, 309), where a transaction record (301, 303, 305, 307, 309) is associated with each transaction performed by the franking system (100, 505-1, 505-2, 505-n) in each period. Each record (301, 303, 305, 307, 309) includes at least the postage dispensed (305) in the associated franking transaction, and an ascending register value (307) indicating the cumulative postage dispensed. Using the received records (301, 303, 305, 307, 309), the data center (503, 803) assesses the charges during the period and causes assessed charges to be charged to an account associated with the franking system (100, 505-1, 505-2, 505-n).

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for authenticating transactions and records is disclosed. A nonce stamp is a physical article that is relatively difficult to copy illicitly, and that bears a “nonce” number. The “nonce” is a relatively unique identifier, in that it is chosen from a distribution such that any given user/customer is extremely unlikely to obtain two nonce stamps bearing the same nonce. The method includes: presenting a nonce stamp having a nonce number; presenting a numbered digital certificate derived securely from the nonce number; and authenticating the transaction by comparing the number on the digital certificate and the nonce number. The digital certificate is typically obtained by users/customers in exchange for the purchase price of a desired transaction. The apparatus is an information-based indicium including a nonce stamp, and a digital certificate including a number derived securely from the nonce.

Abstract: The invention concerns an electronic franking machine comprising franking means and means for recording the number of franking operations. It comprises means for connection via a computerized communication network, to a central server of a computerized central control center, and means forming a computerized server adapted to transmit and receive computerized requests and responses for performing transactions with the central server, said transactions being selected among at least a resetting of the means recording the franking operations, a transfer of files constituting the records of the recording means and a franking cycle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for data input into a service device allow a loading and updating of service data, particularly postage fee schedule tables, separated from one another in time. The method and apparatus are suitable for postage meter machines as well as for scales containing postage computers or similar devices. The apparatus for implementation of the method contains a processor and a memory with memory areas for service data. After detecting the input and storage of a load requirement, a check for the presence of a load instruction, formation of a status report of the memory occupancy for service data and a transmission of the status report to the data center ensue. The data center forms recommendations for a future status of the memory occupancy in the service device on the basis of an analysis of the status report of the memory occupancy for service data that is implemented in the data center.

Abstract: For machine-producing a series of mail pieces with the aid of a system for assembling mail pieces, the system registers at least one property of at least one physical, postal item of a particular type, at least one code representing the registered property is generated and compared with at least one reference code, stored in a memory, which represents at least one item-type property. If the code representing the at least one registered property exhibits at least a defined extent of agreement with the reference code or at least one of the reference codes, at least one setting code, associated with the reference code or at least one of the reference codes, which represents a system setting is selected; and the production of a series of mail pieces is carried out in accordance with the selected setting code.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting, prioritizing, identifying, managing, and otherwise controlling (collectively, “controlling”) a communication. A frank may be used to associate a value and a class with a communication. The communication may be associated with the frank through the method of selecting a frank associated with a value from among a plurality of frank types, each of the frank types having a pre-assigned value, associating the frank with the communication, and initiating transmission of the franked communication across a network. Value may include anything important of having meaning to the parties, including, for example, money, credit (or a promise to pay), frequent flier miles, and so forth. “Franking” a communication generally associates some indicia of value and/or a service class with a communication.

Abstract: An electronic revenue stamp issuing apparatus and a method thereof and a recording medium stored a control program thereof, in which the amount of an electronic revenue stamp that became invalid can be used again as a possible amount to issue without any communication with a specified communication center, are provided.

Abstract: A transaction evidencing system includes a personal computer (PC) comprising a processor, memory and hard drive, with a plurality of non-metering application programs that selectively run on the PC. An unsecured printer is operatively coupled to the PC for printing in accordance with the non-metering application programs. A portable vault card that is removably coupled to the PC is programmed to generate tokens generation and perform transaction accounting. An application interface module in the PC, which interfaces with the non-metering application programs, issues a request for digital tokens in response to requests for indicia from a non-metering application program. A secure communications module in the PC, which securely communicates with the vault card when the vault card is coupled to the PC, sends the request for digital token to the vault card and receives a digital token generated by the vault card.

Abstract: A method to allow a mailer to receive postal discounts for mailing at an eligible postal facility a plurality of mail pieces to a plurality of mailing addresses. The method comprises the steps of creating an entry code lookup file containing a plurality of identification codes for each eligible postal facility according to the Destination Delivery Unit (DDU) rate or discounting and a drop ship file containing a plurality of local ZIP codes and carrier routes associated with each eligible postal facility. When a mailer enters the identification code for the eligible postal facility where the mailer drops the mail for mailing, the drop ship file is used to determine whether the mail piece is available for DDU discounts based on the local ZIP code and the carrier route.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for providing confirmation and messaging relating to the distribution of a mail piece within a mailing system. Information including a mailer's address is included in a digital post mark or printed directly on the mail piece. During delivery of the mail piece, the information is read, and the mailer's address is captured. A message, which may include a mail piece image, a recipient response and physical image of a recipient, is sent to the mailer in accordance with read information.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system which allows information to be transmitted from one or a number of utility providers to one of a number of customers, and vice versa. The information is received and accessible at the customer's premises via a display screen and user selection means connected to the system. In another feature the system allows the consumption of a utility in the premises to be collated and profiles created and utility usage to be allocated to the usage of specific apparatus in the premises.

Abstract: A configuration system for a process plant uses module class objects to assist in configuring, organizing and changing the control and display activities within the process plant. Each module class object generically models or represents a process entity, such as a unit, a piece of equipment, a control activity, etc., and may be used to create instances of the object, called module objects, which represent and are tied to specific equipment within the process plant. The module class objects may represent process entities of any desired scope, which means that a single module class object may be used to configure the control and display activities of process entities of any desired scope within the process plant, instead of just at a control module level. In particular, module class objects of a large scope may be used to configure large sections or portions of the process plant, which makes configuration of the process plant easier and less time consuming.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method for dispensing postage or other authorization information electronically by using a portable processor containing a maximum amount of preauthorized postage which can be applied to any piece of mail or other item. A plurality of shipping service providers may utilize the portable processor to store and dispense credit value for authorization of various shipping services. Accordingly, a user is presented with information regarding various shipping service providers fees and/or services associated with particular shipping/delivery parameters desired by the user in order to make an informed choice as to a most preferable method of shipment.

Abstract: A method and system for providing address matching. An address is compared against a plurality of address records in a database, wherein the database comprises at least one of the following: a delivery point database and an enhanced delivery point database. In addition, the method and system include providing an output data indicating whether the address has been matched to at least one of the plurality of address records in the database.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a postal security device (PSD) (10) contains a non-volatile memory (13) which does not depend on battery power such as an EEPROM (13), and contains a nonvolatile memory (14, 16) which does depend on battery power, such as a static RAM. The PSD (10) also contains an encryption engine (12, 14, 22). An encryption key is developed and is stored in the static RAM (14), which is sized to be only large enough to contain the encryption key. A large body of data, too large to fit in the static RAM, is encrypted by means of the encryption engine (12, 14, 22) and with reference to the encryption key, and is stored in the EEPROM (13). This body of data typically includes cryptographic keys and sensitive bit-images. When the PSD is powered, a large RAM (typically a dynamic RAM) (16) is available to receive the large body of data, decrypted using the encryption key. A tamper switch (17) cuts power to both RAMs (14, 16) in the event of tampering.

Abstract: The video-coding station for an installation for sorting postal items, in particular packets, steering each packet towards a sorting outlet on the basis of an automatic reading of a postal address (AD) of the packet in a digitized image of the packet, includes a central processor unit, a screen (EC), and a keyboard (CL), and is programmed so as to display an image (IP) so that a video-coding operator (OV) can perform semi-automatic processing of the reading of the address (AD). The station further includes a pointing device (JS) for positioning a reticule (RE) on the center of a zone of the image displayed, and a trigger button (BT) for recording the current position of the reticule so that the operator can rapidly identify the location of the postal address (AD).

Abstract: A secure system for creating digital receipts, while minimizing the amount of data that is encoded in the digital receipt. The digital receipt provides authentication for a transaction. A digital receipt may be printed in the form of a code. The digital receipt digitally encodes a transaction identification code, a transaction amount or number of units authorized, and a digital signature. The digital receipt may be scanned or read to verify the authenticity of the transaction.

Abstract: A method of reissuing secured postage indicium includes the steps of dispensing from a postage meter an original postage indicium as evidence of postage dispensed for a requested postage transaction, the original postage indicium including postage information and authentication information; storing within the postage meter a transaction record for the dispensed original postage indicium, the transaction record including the postage information and the authentication information; and receiving at the postage meter a request to reissue the original postage indicium.

Abstract: FIG. 6 shows the operation of modules 22 in processing a request for a digital postal indicium. At 72 the selected one of modules 22 receives the indicium request and the requested meter record and, at 76 confirms that sufficient funds are available. If not the request is rejected at 78; again in a manner whose details form no part of the subject invention. At 80 the selected module constructs an indicium message having an appended indicium signature, which when printed in relevant part on a mailpiece will evidence payment of postage in the amount shown, and at 84 updates the requested meter record and appends a meter record signature. Generation of indicia and updating meter records is more fully described in specifications for the Information Based Indicia Program (IBIP) published by the United States Postal Service and further discussion is not believed necessary for an understanding of the subject invention.) At 86 the selected module updates the audit data.

Abstract: A computerized method for learning a delivery point of a first mail piece by using unmatched and/or unused data from at least one other mail piece is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for automated sorting machines is provided in which a feedback between OCR and ABL takes place. According to a first aspect of the present invention, a loose coupling between ABL and OCR is proposed in which the ABL system is asked for a further address block potentially present on the letter's surface when the first one being passed from ABL to OCR yielded that no destination ZIP code could be extracted from it. The confidence of the actual OCR and the ABL result, the address block contents supplemented with some additional criteria based on general knowledge, further, the sort plan actually loaded on the concerned sorting machine and the postmark information found in the stamps of the postmark can advantageously be used to make the ABL restart decision. Further, the ABL system can continue to search further address blocks while the OCR system processes one or a plurality of address blocks being passed to it from ABL in a preceding procedure related to the same letter.

Abstract: A postage meter includes a vault that accounts for postage dispensed by the postage meter; and a printhead module having a printhead for printing the postage dispensed; a smart card chip having a ROM having software code stored therein; an EEPROM having an encrypted key and executable code stored therein, a CPU; a RAM; and a flash memory having an encrypted pointer data file stored therein.

Abstract: A system for assisting a user with the proper feeding of sheets of labels into a printer so that the labels may be properly printed with postage indicia. The system providing a sheet bearing pre-printed labels for further printing with postage indicia, the sheet having a target marker located thereon. Further provided is an interactive computer software that guides a user to feed a sheet of labels into the printer, directs the printer to print an indication mark on the sheet of labels, and queries the user as to where an indication mark appears on the sheet of labels. The invention further provides a sheet bearing pre-printed labels for further printing with postage indicia, having an area where a plurality of self-stick labels are located, wherein each label is pre-printed with a serial number, and a perimeter margin area having a target marker located thereon.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method and system for printing indicia, logos and graphics and more particularly to systems and methods for printing postal indicia on custom sized envelopes. A user navigates through a series of prompt screens to create a new custom envelope size for envelopes with irregular sizes. Postal indicia is then printed on a custom sized envelope.