Stand-alone electronic mailing machine
US4579054A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 8, 1982 |
| Grant date | Apr 1, 1986 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 8, 2002 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07B2017/00685
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
This invention relates to a stand-alone electronic mailing machine that includes a postage metering device. The invention has particular utility when utilized in a mailing machine of the reciprocating platen type. The entire drive mechanism, setting mechanism, and control devices as well as the postage metering mechanisms are all contained in one housing so that there is no need for a separate base. In the mailing machine of this invention, a single central processing unit is utilized along with memory for the purpose of accounting for the postage value that has been charged into the mailing machine as well as the amount that has been used. Non-volatile memory is provided for permanent storage in case of power failure. A pair of stepper motors is used for the purpose of adjusting the print dies with the amounts that are to be imprinted. One of the stepper motors is also used to trip a single revolution clutch which is utilized to affect the printing operation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.