Modular mailing system

US5898785A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Pitney Bowes Inc. · US

Inventors

• Edward P. Cornell · Newtown, US
• Jerome Jackson · Sunnyvale, US
• Wallace Kirschner · Trumbull, US
• Richard A. Malin · Westport, US
• Edward J. Naclerio · Madison, US
• Maria P. Parkos · Southbury, US
• John H. Steinmetz · Bridgeport, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 30, 1996
• Grant date: Apr 27, 1999
• Expiry date: Sep 30, 2016

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G07B2017/00967
• WIPO field: Control
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A mailing system includes a mailing machine having a printing mechanism for printing an indication of postage value on a mailpiece and structure for controlling relative movement between the printing mechanism and the mailpiece to ensure the mailpiece is properly positioned relative to the printing mechanism during printing of the indication of postage value; a meter vault having a securely sealed housing, and apparatus, within the securely sealed housing, for accounting for the printed indication of postage value, wherein the meter vault is removably mounted in the mailing machine for easy removal via a plug-in connector; and a printing mechanism control module for securely controlling printing by the printing mechanism based on data received from the meter vault, the printing mechanism control module being removably mounted in the mailing machine for easy removal via a quick disconnect connector; wherein the meter vault and the printing mechanism control module are in electrical communication via the mailing machine. The mailing system can also include ciphered communications between the vault and the printing mechanism.