Pitney Bowes Inc.

Paul Mitchell

David L Morgan

Robert W Allport

Graeme Ferrari

Peter J Treadwell

In order to locate a package (,) which houses active elements including an opto-electric type transducer (,), in a position which assures that the opto-electric sensor and other active elements will be located in proper operative positions when the package is installed in predetermined piece of apparatus, the package casing (,) is provided with location features (,) at least some of which are deformable. During optimization, the package is moved with respect to a target until such time as the sensor is detected as producing an optimal output. Selected location features are then deformed to form location faces (,) which have a predetermined spatial relationship with the active elements and which ensure that the active elements will be supported in an optimally operative position when the package is operatively disposed in a device such as an optical scanner or the like.

Sensor package manufacture optimization

The printwheel setting apparatus is used in a postage meter for setting the posting date printwheels. Each settable member of the apparatus includes digital encoding marks thereon. A charge coupled device is arranged to detect the encoding marks of one or more settable members simultaneously. A lens is disposed between the settable member and the charge coupled device to focus the image of the encoding marks onto the surface of the charge coupled device. Thus, the settings of a number of settable members such as thumbwheels may be determined simultaneously. A shutter may be closed across the charge coupled device to protect it from damage, dust contamination.

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Hertfordshire, United Kingdom

Paul Mitchell