Abstract:
A pocket assembly (100) for use in a mailing machine. The pocket assembly is adapted to receive an ink cartridge and includes: a housing (110) defining a pocket for receiving the ink cartridge, a needle (102), a door (160) and a door mechanism (170). The housing has an open end and a closed end and includes a recess (116) extending away from the pocket. The needle is mounted to the housing closed end and protrudes into the pocket. The door is movably mounted to the housing and is located within the pocket. The door mechanism is operatively coupled with the door for repositioning the door between a closed position blocking access to the needle and an open position allowing access to the needle. The door is seated in the recess when in the closed position so that the door is less likely to be manually repositioned to the open position.
Abstract:
A process and device for the distribution of flat mail, in particular letters, is disclosed. By modifying the evaluation of the classification-relevant features of flat mail to be transported, it becomes possible to mechanise to a large extent the reception of flat mail to be transported in a previously defined territory. The mail reception box compensates for a limitation of collection services at short intervals and is multifunctionally designed in a client-friendly manner. This problem is solved in that the flat mail to be transported is evaluated according to its thickness and width, the resultant value is compared with a standard weight and can, if required, be corrected. A card with integrated magnetic strips and a rechargeable microprocessor chip allows opening the postal reception device and charging the value of the flat mail delivered from the microprocessor chip integrated therein. The letter reception device is designed as a fixed column with openings, sorting devices, a microcomputer and other devices suitable for carrying out the process.
Abstract:
In Frankiermaschinen (1) ist der Druckkopf (2) eines Druckwerks (3) anfällig auf Staubpartikel, die durch den Transport von Versandobjekten wie Briefe, Postkarten oder Druckprodukte übertragen und durch diese selbst zugeführt werden. Es wird deshalb bei einer Frankiermaschine (1) vorgeschlagen, dass zumindest im Näherungsbereich des Druckkopfes (2) eine auf diesen vor staubförmigen Fremdstoffen oder dgl. bewahrend einwirkende Saug- oder Druckluftfördervorrichtung (9) angeordnet ist.
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:
A self-service apparatus (100) capable of automatically handling envelopes and packages through various stages of processing, including touch screen (110) to handle various inputs from the customer, digitized voice (112) to prompt the customer and instruct him in the processing, electronic weighing (138), electronic printing (142) of the ZIP+4 barcode, electronic printing of the shipping label (140), electronic printing of the receipt (128), electronic printing (140) of the manifest documentation for both the letters and packages, and maintaining of the manifest documentation for both the letters and packages. Mailing charges are deducted from a prepaid magnetic card through the use of a magnetic card reader (122). Maintaining postage and shipping rates, ZIP+4 CD-ROM directory in order to locate the ZIP+4 information. A dual floppy disk system (124, 126) to allow the mailer to send electronic mail. A built-in facsimile apparatus (120) to allow the customer to send "FAX" information through the telephone line.
Abstract:
The invention concerns a franking device comprising a plurality of boxes (2) provided with doors (3), a managing unit (11), locks (4) adapted each to lock one door and individually controlled, position sensors (5) for the doors adapted to inform the management unit of a closed position, a weight sensor (9a, 9b) adapted to transmit to the managing unit an indication of the weight of a parcel placed in the box, and data input means (14). When a position sensor (5) for one door of a box detects a closed position, the managing unit (11) is adapted to: calculate a franking price of the parcel placed in said box based on the data supplied and the parcel weight indication; control the locking of the door; and maintain the door locked until of a code for recovering the parcel is identified.
Abstract:
User-sealed postage printing apparatus (10) and method comprises a printing device (130), operable to print a postage indicia and a processor (100). A weigh scale (125) is connected to the processor (100). A cavity (11) for receiving a secure metering device (SMD) (200) is provided. The cavity (11) has an electrical connector (18) for establishing a connection between the processor (100) and the SMD (200). The SMD (200), once inserted, cannot be removed without being rendered unusable for postage printing and/or leaving visible evidence of tampering.
Abstract:
An electronic scale (1, 11, 19, 20) integrally formed within the housing of a piece of office equipment (3, 42, 83, 110) thereby increasing the user's work space in a home or business environment. The piece of equipment (3, 42, 83, 110) may be a personal computer (110) or one of its peripheral devices (3, 42, 83). A mailing system using one or more interactive screens (600, 610, 620, 630, 640) and the electronic scale (1, 11, 19, 20) automatically computes postale and/or private carrier rates (540) for items of mail based on weight signals derived from the electronic scale (1, 11, 19, 20).
Abstract:
A system (10) for accepting and storing items for subsequent pickup by a commercial carrier may include a storage area (14) which is defined by an outer housing (12), and a customer interface area (16) that includes a weighing unit (22) and a unit, such as a magnetic card reader (30), for accepting payment from a customer. The system (10) may also include a control system (100) that accepts address information from the customer through a key pad (28), and then instructs a printer (26) to print an address label for the item. The system (10) includes safeguards which prevent unauthorized access to the storage area (14), and will not provide a receipt to the customer until internal sensors (112, 114, 116) verify deposit of the item. A manifest printer (90) may also be provided for the benefit of the commercial carriers who service the system (10), to print out a summary of the transaction that pertain to each carrier.
Abstract:
Dispositif d'affranchissement de colis qui comporte une pluralité de coffres (2) munis de portes (3), une unité de gestion (11), des verrous (4) adaptés pour verrouiller chacun une porte et commandés individuellement, des détecteur de position (5) des portes qui sont adaptés pour informer l'unité de gestion d'une position fermée, un capteur de poids (9a, 9b) adapté pour transmettre à l'unité de gestion une indication du poids d'un colis placé dans un coffre, et des moyens d'entrée de données (14). Quand un détecteur de position (5) d'une porte d'un coffre détecte une position fermée, l'unité de gestion (11) est adaptée pour : calculer d'un prix d'affranchissement d'un colis placé dans ce coffre à partir des données fournies et de l'indication de poids du colis ; commander le verrouillage de la porte ; et maintenir la porte verrouillée jusqu'à la reconnaissance d'un code de récupération de colis.