Pitney Bowes Inc.

Richard A Connell

Ronald P Sansone

Karl H Schumacher

Raymond Keating

Leon A Pintsov

Donald T Dolan

Wallace Kirschner

Richard A Bernard

Alfred C Schmidt

Robert W Sisson

Michael P Taylor

Thyagaraj Sarada

George G Gelfer

Patricia Corsetti

A postal indicia is disclosed that contains markings thereon which may be used to distinguish between availability or non availability of additional security and sorting information. The foregoing will make the handling of the mail faster and more efficient. The ink that is used to print portions of the indicia is fluorescent for conventional indicia printing and fluorescent and phosphorescent for value added bit map generated printing.

Luminescent facing marks for enhanced postal indicia discrimination

A postage metering system includes input means for inputting into the system a value of postage to be imprinted on a mail piece and means storing data concerning appropriate postage value amounts. A printing means is provided for printing a first postage imprint and for printing a different second postage imprint. Print control means are coupled to the printing means and the storing means for causing the printing means to print the first postage imprint for an appropriate postage value and the second postage imprint for postage value which are other than the appropriate postage raise.

Postage metering system with short paid mail deterrence

A data center provides a rate table to a user. The rate table is communicated to the mailer along with a hash code that is based on information from the rating table. The hash code provides a unique number based on the rating table. The user within a secure device and to which the rate table is loaded regenerates the hash code based on the information received from the rate table and compares the transmitted hash code with the generated hash code. The comparison verifies that the rate table data has not been intentionally or unintentionally corrupted. The transmitted hash code may be encrypted by the data center and when received decrypted by the mailer. The encryption decryption process provides authenticity of the data center if desired. The generation of the hash code and the comparison with the transmitted hash code can be initiated prior to postage printing and used to insure proper rating. Printing is enabled only after the rating process has been properly implemented. The hash code and rating information may be printed on the mail piece such that a verifying party can reconstruct the rating process and determine if any rating inaccuracy occurred. Various rating inaccuracies for a particular user can be stored by the verging party to detect a recurrence of rating errors. Rating profiles for particular users or group of users may be stored to enable generation of user profiles.

Postal rating system with verifiable integrity

Apparatus for categorizing and certifying a batch of mail by determining parameters of the mail pieces of such batch. The parameters that are determined include the physical dimensions, the weight, the size, class, readability, print contrast and reflectivity of the mail pieces. Based upon these determinations, the deliverability of the mail can be assessed. The mail pieces are also weighed, sized and the class of mail determined and postage amount is checked for the purpose of assuring the accuracy of the postage paid for the mail.

Method and apparatus for categorizing and certifying mail batches

An apparatus and method for categorizing and certifying a batch of mail uses a random statistical scheme. The mail will be categorized in terms of print quality, accuracy with the statement sheet accompanying the mail, deliverability, and the like so that the Post Office is relieved of having to manually inspect the mail and can arrange scheduling, equipment and manpower for the processing of such batch of mail. The mail will be certified with regard to the correctness of postage for mailing the batch.

Method and apparatus for categorizing and certifying mail

A system for processing batch mail in which the need for on-site inspection is unnecessary. The mail sender purchases postage from a central station thereby authorizing him to send mail equal to the amount of postage purchased. The mail sender processes batches of mail each of which is accompanied by a statement summarizing the type and number of mail pieces sent and amount of postage for each batch. The 10 statement contains data that allows mail payment verification.

Mailing system and method for low volume mailers printing postage

A system for processing batch mail in which the need for on-site inspection is unnecessary. The mail sender purchases postage from a central station thereby authorizing him to send mail equal to the amount of postage purchased. The mail sender processes batches of mail each of which is accompanied by a statement summarizing the type and number of mail pieces sent and amount of postage for each batch. The statement contains data that allows mail payment verification.

Batch mailing system

A security system for use with an indicia printing authorization device includes a computer having a nonvolatile memory associated therewith. Graphic change information can be downloaded to the device by an external authority. The graphic change information includes the data when the different pattern is authorized. On that date, all indicia printers that do not print the authorized pattern will be suspect.

Security system for use with an indicia printing authorization device

Apparatus and method of determining the authenticity of a signal indicative of the mass of an article being weighted. The article is placed upon the platform, and the platform is caused to oscillate and the period of harmonic motion is measured. One of or both the frequency of oscillation and amplitude of the transducer signal is monitored for purposes of determining authentication.

Growing community of inventors

South Salem, NY, United States of America

Richard A Connell