Francotyp-postalia Ag & Co.

Francotyp-postalia Gmbh

Francotyp-postalia Ag & Co. Kg

Siemens Aktiengesellschaft

Ralf Kubatzki

Wolfgang Thiel

Stephan Gunther

Stephan Guenther

Claus Freytag

Frank Reisinger

Harald Windel

Andreas Wagner

Junming Zhang

Peter Rieckhoff

Enno Bischoff

Marcus Hansel

Uwe Huebler

Wolfgang Von Inten

George G Gelfer

Werner Kampert

Olav A Zarges

Arndt Berthold

Katrin Markl

In an arrangement and method for offering a message when loading service data for a terminal device, a connector unit in a service center is connected to a server and is equipped with a number of modems that produce a connection to a communication system to which a number of clients are also connected. The server is operated in order to access a data bank, wherein the properties of the different clients are stored as to the information playback capabilities of the respective clients. The server selects an advertising message that is transmitted to the terminal device of one of the clients dependent on that client's playback capabilities. At least one data file of one of a number of advertising sources is through-connected by the connector unit to the terminal device.

Arrangement and method for offering a message when loading service data for a terminal device

In a dynamic scale, and a method for controlling a dynamic scale, an item to be weighed is transported by a transport device to a weighing cell. The transport device is operable in a number of different operating modes. At the weighing cell, a measured weight value is obtained, and this measured weight value is subsequently interpreted and, based on the interpretation of the measured weight value, the transport device is switched to a different operating mode, which may include reversing the direction of the transport device so as to permit the item to be re-weighed and subsequently discharged from the scale.

Method and arrangement for the control of a dynamic scale

In a method for determining the number of normal imprints implementable in a printing device with a remaining ink quantity, to a computational determination of this number is made when a sensor-acquired, predetermined remaining ink quantity is signaled. In an arrangement for the implementation of the method, a microprocessor is programmed to undertake a rough computational determination of the remaining number of imprints to signal the need to change the ink tank cassette before the reserve quantity is tapped for use, to generate a message after a recognition of the change of the ink tank cassette, and to display it on a display. The microprocessor waits for an entry of a code via an input unit. Upon entry of the code, the microprocessor implements a check of the input code as to whether the changed ink tank cassette is authorized, and modifies the operation of the device if the completed check of the code has yielded an invalidity. The microprocessor undertakes a fine computational determination of the remaining number of imprints from a point in time at which the predetermined remaining ink quantity acquired by the sensor is signaled. The input of the code can ensue by chip card.

Method for determining the number of normal imprints implementable with a remaining ink quantity and arrangement for the implementation of the method

In an arrangement and a method for data exchange between a postage meter machine and chip cards, a postage meter machine is equipped with a chip card write/read unit and appertaining control system wherein first, corresponding to a succession number a specific insertion sequence for valid chip cards is required in order to reload (update) data, and second, an authorized user is allowed to define a specific sequence for the insertion of lower-ranking, suitably initialized chip cards in order to simplify the function and data entered into the postage meter machine. These latter chip cards set a limited function scope within the postage meter. For their initialization, a table with a specific hierarchic (tree) structure is produced by the user by modifying a pre-stored structure in the postage meter machine. The further chip cards allow access to the table with their chip card number in order to call function applications with limit data that are stored in non-volatile memory areas allocated to the chip card number.

Arrangement and method for data exchange between a postage meter machine and clip cards

In an arrangement and method for data processing in a mail shipping system, a document is supplied to the mail shipping system having information printed thereon identifying a recipient of the document. The printed information is scanned at a postage meter machine to identify the recipient. The postage meter machine is in communication with at least one personal computer. In the personal computer, the contents of various documents to be mailed using the mail shipping system are stored in respective data files, and can be searched according to the respective recipient and the current date. The mail contents are stored in the personal computer allocated to instructional data, such as shipping information identifying a carrier and/or cost center information for use in accounting purposes for charging the fee for shipping the document. The postage meter machine, by searching the memories in the personal computer, obtains the instructional data, and the instructional data are automatically entered into the postage meter machine, and are then used for producing the franking imprint and/or conducting an accounting routine. The amount of data which must be permanently stored in the postage meter machine is therefore significantly reduced.

Methods for automatically entering carrier or cost center information in a mail-shipping system

In an arrangement and method for data processing in a mail shipping system, a document is supplied to the mail shipping system having information printed thereon identifying a carrier to be used for shipping the document and/or cost center information identifying a cost center which produced the document. The printed information is scanned at the mail shipping system and the scanned information is stored and is used for calculating a fee for shipping the document and for selecting an appropriate print format, respectively allocated to the carrier and/or the cost center identified in the scanned information, and a franking imprint is printed on the document embodying the appropriate fee and print format. Each carrier which is available for use for shipping the document, and each cost center among a number of cost centers which share usage of the mail shipping system, respectively has a carrier identification number or a cost center number allocated thereto. Changes in the print format, or other data changes, can be made by entering the cost center number or the carrier number into a postage meter machine in the shipping system. Accounting information can be generated and supplied, upon request, to a personal computer at any of the cost centers.

Method and arrangement for data processing in a mail shipping system having a postage meter machine wherein a carrier-identifying mark is scanned and processed

In a printer device and method for printing on a print medium with a print head and with a transport device for the print medium, wherein the print head is not moved during printing, a controller is connected to sensors and actuators of a displacement device and the transport device. The transport device and the displacement device are mechanically coupled to a displaceable transport device in the printer device that is controllable by the controller for at least one alternative printing position. The transport device transports the print medium downstream in the alternative printing position during printing. The print medium is transported downstream in the X-direction and orthogonally thereto in the Y-direction, the displaceable transport device is returned into a first printing position with reference to the Y-coordinate of a Cartesian coordinate system when all printing jobs have been processed.

Printer device and method for printing on a print medium

The ink jet print head has a single module or a plurality of modules in a stacked construction and it operates on the edgeshooter or the sideshooter principle. A common supply conduit for the ink conduits of the ink jet printing chambers is provided. A ribbon conductor, which connects to the print head control is also embodied as an ink conductor, which communicates on one end with a common supply conduit in the ink jet print head and on the other with an ink tank. At least one ink conduit is formed into the ribbon conductor. The ribbon conductor comprises a first part, secured to the ink jet print head, and a second part, outside the ink jet print head. The two parts may merge directly with one another or be connected to one another by a plug connector. A pressure equalization diaphragm and a replaceable filter are provided in the transition region between the ribbon conductor and the ink jet print head.

Configuration for supplying ink to an ink jet print head

In an arrangement and method for data processing in a mail shipping system, a document is supplied to the mail shipping system having information printed thereon identifying a recipient of the document. The printed information is scanned at a postage meter machine to identify the recipient. The postage meter machine is in communication with at least one personal computer. In the personal computer, the contents of various documents to be mailed using the mail shipping system are stored in respective data files, and can be searched according to the respective recipient and the current date. The mail contents are stored in the personal computer allocated to instructional data; such as shipping information identifying a carrier and/or cost center information for use in accounting purposes for charging the fee for shipping the document. The postage meter machine, by searching the memories in the personal computer, obtains the instructional data, and the instructional data are automatically entered into the postage meter machine, and are then used for producing the franking imprint and/or conducting an accounting routine. The amount of data which must be permanently stored in the postage meter machine is therefore significantly reduced.

Method and arrangement for data processing in a mail-shipping system

An apparatus for transporting and for printing print media has an inclined guide plate and a transport mechanism orthogonal to this guide plate and an auxiliary device. An ink jet print head controlled by a control unit is rigidly arranged in a recess of the guide plate during printing. The recess is fashioned such that the print medium has a printed region lying free downstream. The print medium transported with the transport mechanism lies without any mechanical clamping against the auxiliary device, that has an ascending guide and allows a defined slippage perpendicular to the transport mechanism surface. Independently of the slope of the floor area of the machine, a non-contacting printing with the ink print head ensues with high print quality for print media transported standing or lying. A placement device precedes the guide plate for the adaptation of the inclination angle .alpha..

Apparatus for transporting and printing print media

An electronically controlled postage meter with easier user setting of the date. Postage values are input via a keyboard connected to a control device. The control device automatically counts upwardly for incrementing a date. The upward incrementation can be prevented with a function key. The control device compares the entered date with the date stored in the calendar module and changes the date to be printed, depending on the comparison. The control device then outputs a print command for printing a postage imprint with a new, changed or current date. The method includes automatic counting upward for incrementing the date. Actuating the function key to selectively prevent at least the automatic incrementation of the date. It is also possible to reset the setting of the current date by either actuating the function key again or by actuating an additional function key.

Apparatus and method for date setting for electronically controlled

An ink-jet printer head is composed of individual, stacked ink-jet printer modules operating according to the edge-shooter principle and equipped with plate-shaped piezoelectric actuators whose electrodes are contacted to leads of a ribbon conductor. The ink-jet printer head has a simplified structure and improved service properties and is composed of individual, identical ink-jet printer modules whose nozzle rows are arranged offset relative to one another and can be easily interchanged, because the carrier layer of the ribbon conductors enveloping the leads is reinforced and shaped in the region between neighboring ink-jet printer modules, so that the required spacing between the piezoactuators and between the nozzle rows of the ink-jet printer modules as well as an exact fixing thereof relative to one another are achieved. In this way, the ribbon conductors serve as a contact element, a spacer and an adjustment member for neighboring ink-jet printer modules. Complicated housing and front masks are thus eliminated and the number of components is reduced and adjustment outlay is largely avoided. The ink-jet printer head is provided for use in small, fast printers, wherein a large number of nozzles are required.

Ink-jet printer head formed of multiple ink-jet printer modules

In a method and to an arrangement for entering data into a postage meter machine, after calling stored setting data, a routine is triggered that includes a manual input routine. The arrangement includes specific actuation elements for data input for positioning, within the overall image, sub-images (image portions or constituents of the overall image). After interrogation of the actuated inputs, request data are formed if a non-available data set is needed. The formation likewise ensues when a microprocessor in the machine finds data of the clock/date module that were called but were modified due to the passage of time. A communication is then implemented, whereby the data central communicates sub-image data files and, if necessary, further data files to the postage meter machine on the basis of the communicated request data. As a result of the actuation of selected actuation elements, a corresponding sub-image positioning routine is triggered, whereby allowable change data are identified and lead to the modification of a control data file. The modification is displayed on the basis of another sub-routine as a cleartext presentation of the print image.

Method and arrangement for entering data into a postage meter machine

An ink-jet printer head is composed of stacked ink printer modules operating according to the edge-shooter principle and each equipped with plate-shaped piezoelectric actuators. The ink-jet printer head is for use in small, fast printers, suitable for use in a franking machine wherein a large number of nozzles are required. Plate-shaped spacer parts between the ink printer modules are structured such that they serve both for assuring the required spacing between neighboring modules as well as for setting an offset of the nozzle apertures of the neighboring ink printer modules relative to one another. To that end, the spacer parts are provided with registration elements at both sides that engage into allocated recesses of the ink printer modules. Each ink printer module also has electrical interconnects for connection to a driver circuit. In order to suffice with only one connector array for connection to the driver circuit, interconnects are extended, for each module, from its outer diaphragm plate surface over the lateral surfaces of the module into its other outer diaphragm plate surface.

Arrangement for an ink-jet printer head composed of individual ink

A method for securing data and program code of an electronic postage meter machine against manipulation, having a microprocessor in a control unit of the postage meter machine for implementing steps for a start and initialization routine and following system routine with a possibility of entering into a communication mode with a remote data central, as well as further input steps in order to enter into a franking mode from which a branch is made back into the system routine after the implementation of an accounting and printing routine, includes conducting a start security check within the framework of a start and initialization routine which runs before a secure printing data call routine and the following system routine for determining the validity of a program code and/or of data in the predetermined memory location and of an appertaining MAC (message authentification code) that is present in the same storage medium. The check for valid program code and/or for validity of the data is implemented with a selected checksum method within an OTP (one time programmable) processor that internally receives the corresponding program parts. Transfer of the postage meter machine into the aforementioned system routine takes place given validity of the data or transfer of the postage meter machine into a first mode when the data are invalid, or when a specific manipulation criterion is met. Steps for preventing the franking or blocking of the postage meter machine and/or steps for preventing a further program execution or a program branch exiting the OTP processor within the framework of system routine the occur.

Growing community of inventors

Berlin, Germany

Ralf Kubatzki