Postage meter with improved paper path
US5706727A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 14, 1995 |
| Grant date | Jan 13, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 14, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J13/12
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A postage meter has the print rotor and platen within a single secure housing, with a letter detection lever along the paper path downstream from the rotor. The letter detection lever is in a spring-loaded coupling relationship with the trigger that triggers franking. If a letter remains in the meter due to a paper jam, the detection lever continues to be actuated and the spring-loaded coupling keeps the trigger in the triggered position. The meter further comprises a platen carrier moving the platen toward and away from the rotor; when the rotor is in its home position a radial cam on the rotor and cam follower keep the carrier away from the rotor. When franking of a letter begins and the rotor begins to rotate, the rotor cam releases the cam follower, permitting the carrier to move up in spring-loaded relation toward the rotor. A letter stopper is in the paper path downstream from the rotor and helps to align the letter so that the postage imprint is optimally oriented on the letter. The trigger includes an enclosure containing a free-moving mass; the weight is constrained from radial and axial movement relative to the trigger pivot. The trigger is balanced in two axes in the pla…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.