Modular universal postage meter
US4644142A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 6, 1985 |
| Grant date | Feb 17, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 6, 2005 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07B2017/00604
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A modular universal postage meter includes a base to which stepper motor modules and a drive shaft assembly are mounted to predetermined positions relative to the base. The drive shaft has a bifurcated printhead, including a secure value module and a field service accessible and removable dater/slogan module, mounted to its outer end. The stepper motors are coupled to the value module of the printhead through a number of value rods mounted to and parallel with the shaft assembly. The value rods can move parallel to the axis of the main shaft. Rings surround the shaft engage respective value rods and are themselves axially positioned by yokes coupled to the stepper motors. Since the stepper motor modules are registered to the base, they can be moved and replaced with minimal adjustments and realignment since the shaft assembly is likewise registered to a predetermined position relative to the base. Thus the base acts as a reference for the stepper motor modules, the shaft assembly and the printhead.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.