Patent · US Expired

Postage meter with keyboard keys for causing meter operations to be performed

US4577283A · kind A · utility

7Cited by
8References
25Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 8, 1982
Grant dateMar 18, 1986
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 8, 2002

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG07B2017/00298
  • WIPO fieldControl
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

In a postage meter having structures for entering data, for displaying numerical values and other data, and for printing postage, and having a computer electrically connected to each of the aforesaid structures and programmed for processing data for controlling their operation, wherein the data entering structure includes a keyboard having a plurality of depressable numeric keys, and wherein the computer means includes means for storing data and calculating amounts pertaining to the operation of said postage meter; there is provided apparatus and a method of operation of the postage meter. The method includes the steps of providing the keyboard with a depressable special purpose key, depressing selected numeric keys for causing the display of a predetermined numerical value, depressing the special purpose key when said numerical value on display, and programming the computer for causing a particular operation of the postage meter to be performed in response to the depression of the special purpose key. Preferably, the step of causing the display of a predetermined value includes the step of utilizing a predetermined value which includes at least one numeral and does not include a d…

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