Patent · US Expired

Microcomputerized electronic postage meter system

US3978457A · kind A · utility

165Cited by
9References
11Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 23, 1974
Grant dateAug 31, 1976
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 23, 1994

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG07B2017/00483
  • WIPO fieldControl
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An advanced electronic postage meter system is described, which is built around a micro computer set. The micro computer set is of LSI design, and comprises a single chip central processor unit (CPU) which performs all control and data processing functions. Auxiliary to the CPU are ROM's which store the program of the postage meter system; RAM's which provide the system with a working memory; and Shift Registers which expand the I/O capacity of the system and provide multiplexing capability. The postage meter system comprises componentry such as a non-volatile memory for postage accounting purposes; a display for visually monitoring the functions of the system; a keyboard for instructing the system; and a modified postage meter with motorized setting means for printing postage upon pieces of mail. These peripheral devices communicate with the micro computer set through ports, and means are provided to expand port capabilities for these peripheral devices.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.