Secure metering device storage vault for a value printing system
US4809185A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 2, 1986 |
| Grant date | Feb 28, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 2, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07B2017/00967
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A value printing system, such as a postage metering system, is disclosed wherein the secure meter accounting registers are removably connected to the meter. The registers are maintained redundantly within two dissimilar types of non-volatile memory devices, the devices being enclosed within an accounting vault. The vault may have the form of a small enclosure which may have the dimensions of a typical credit card. The invention provides for the local recharging of the meter postal funds by the removal of a first vault having an indication of depleted postal funds and the insertion of a second vault having an indication of available funds. In addition, by maintaining the meter accounting registers external to the system, the invention provides for a postage metering system wherein the necessity of the complex mechanical security devices of the prior art is eliminated.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.