Postal mailing system having an adaptable postage meter
US4682541A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 7, 1985 |
| Grant date | Jul 28, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 7, 2005 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07B2017/00548
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A mailing system including a postage meter adaptable to either a high-speed mailing machine capable of parallel postal value selection or a low-speed mailing machine capable of serial value selection is disclosed. The postage meter includes a print drum with printing value members. A rod extends outwardly from the drum. The rod contains linear racks that are axially located above the horizontal centerline of the rod. The linear racks interact with the value members to provide the proper value setting. Attached to the postage meter are a plurality of cross-over shafts with pinion gears. The gears engage the racks to facilitate value selection. In the high-speed mailing machine, a series of drive members engage the shafts. Apparatus within the high-speed mailing machine causes the shafts to rotate in a parallel fashion to allow for postal value selection to facilitate postal printing. In the low-speed mailing machine, one drive member engages on e shaft of the postage meter. Apparatus within the low-speed mailing machine causes the pinion gear to engage a rack to provide the proper print value. The apparatus in the low-speed machine also causes the drum member to rotate so that the o…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.