Pitney Bowes Inc.

Timothy R Erwin

Gerald C Freeman

Seymour Feinland

Robert E Manna

Jeffrey J Prior

Apparatus for sealing a postage meter is disclosed. The sealing apparatus includes a member with a cut-out portion. The cut-out portion includes two cover tab receiving openings which are positioned diametrically across from each other. The center of the cut-out portion has a bore hole that runs completely through the thickness of the cover. An insert is provided with is adapted to fit into and mate with the bore hole. The insert contains an opening which will accept a screw and also contains upwardly extending tabs. A screw is used to fasten the sealing apparatus to the postage meter. A cover is stacked over the upwardly extending tab of the insert. The cover is welded to the upwardly extending tabs thereby making it impossible to remove the screw without first drilling a hole in cover and thereafter prying the cover off to expose the screw. A broken or fraudulent cover will indicate that the meter has been tampered with.

Postage meter security seal

A die protection device that prevents the taking of fraudulent non-metered impressions from the value printing die surface of a printing member in a postage meter machine. A slug is reciprocally received within the print head of the postage meter machine such that the slug will extend beyond the diameter of the print head when the postage meter machine is inoperative, but the slug will be retracted during operation for the purpose of allowing the printing postage on an envelope. The device is particularly useful in a postage meter having a reciprocating platen.

Value printing die protection device in an electronic postage meter

A die protection mechanism that prevents the taking of fraudulent, non-metered impressions from the value printing die surface of a postage meter machine. A linkage assembly is pivotally supported adjacent the print wheels of the postage meter machine such that a projecting portion will extend beyond the diameter of the print wheels when the postage meter machine is inoperative, but the linkage assembly will be pivoted during operation for the purpose of allowing the printing of postage on a mail piece. The mechanism is particularly useful in a postage meter having a reciprocating platen.

Value printing die protection mechanism in a postage meter machine

A mailing system, including a postal scale and a postage meter controlled by the postal scale, and having one step metering capabilities. A postal scale controls a postage meter to set postage values as a function of the weight of an item to be mailed and, possibly, other postal information entered by an operator. The postage meter is physically mounted on the postal scale and the weight of the meter forms part of the tare weight of the scale. In one embodiment of the subject invention a letter placed in the meter will automatically be weighed and metered in a single step. In another embodiment of the subject invention the system also operates in a second mode wherein items placed on the system (i.e. on top of the meter) are weighed and postage values are computed in accordance with the weight and other postal information entered by an operator. Postal labels for packages, envelopes too thick to be weighed in the meter, or other items weighed, may then be printed upon command by the operator.

Mailing system having a capability for one-step postage metering

This invention discloses a structure for preventing unwanted migration of postage meter ink through the spaces separating various plastic components of the structure.

Postage meter

A postage meter having a fixed coplanar printing die is provided with security means to prevent making of fraudulent impressions. This security means involves the use of interposers extending upward and through the space into which an envelope or other workpieces may be inserted. During the legitimate cycling operation these interposers are moved out of guarding position and the postage meter carries out its normal function.

A sealing apparatus for identifying access to a postage meter is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a paper seal membrane which is partially exposed to the outside of the postage meter. The membrane is punctured providing access to a locking member within the postage member that allows for the opening of a postage meter door. The locking member has a slidable bolt that is easily engaged after the sealing membrane is punctured. Once the bolt is moved to an open position, access to the setting of the meter or the keyboard is easily accomplished. In accordance with this embodiment, the seal membrane once punctured must be replaced when meter door is closed. Thus, unauthorized access thereto is easily identified inasmuch as only authorized personnel will have access to the seal membrane that can be replaced thereto.

Postage access door for postage meters

Apparatus for sealing a postage meter is disclosed. The sealing apparatus includes a cover with a cut-out portion. The cover portion includes two cover tab receiving openings which are positioned diametrically across from each other. The center of the cut-out portion has a bore hole that runs completely through the thickness of the cover. An insert is provided which is adapted to fit into and mate with the bore hole. The insert contains an opening which will accept a screw and also contains upwardly extending tabs. A screw is used to fasten the sealing apparatus to the postage meter. When the tabs are stacked over the screw, it is impossible to remove the screw without first breaking off the tabs. A broken tab will thus indicate that the meter has been tampered with.

Growing community of inventors

Trumbull, CT, United States of America

Timothy R Erwin