Method of controlling the operation of an automated postage meter
US7792765B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 16, 2007 |
| Grant date | Sep 7, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 20, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07B2017/00483
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Disclosed is an improved work-ahead method for efficiently operating a software-controlled, automated postage meter of the type used to print postage and other digital data on batches of mail that are run through the meter during successive jobs which originate from different accounts. The operator enters data relating to the parameters for a first job to be completed. After the meter is initialized and the meter overhead is encountered, the first batch of mail for the first job is run through the postage meter. As the first job is being executed and the first batch of mail is being imprinted with postage, the operator enters the data relating to the parameters for the next job. The operator then loads a second batch of mail for the next job into the postage meter. Provided that the first job has been completed, but without having to once again initialize the postage meter and encounter all of the meter overhead, the second batch of letters for the next job is now run through the meter. The postage meter is continuously readied to receive another batch of mail for a new job at the same time that the preceding job is being completed. Once the final job has been completed, meter info…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.