Automatic actuator for normally manually operable selector elements

Abstract

Apparatus for automatically actuating manually operable selector elements, such as the type which normally are found on a manually operable postage meter. A carriage is provided and is movable between an initial, start position and an end position. Plural actuator elements are coupled to and movable with the carriage. These actuator elements are positioned in operable relation with the selector elements and are selectively energized while the carriage moves between its start and end positions to correspondingly activate the selector elements. When used in the environment of a postage meter, the selective energization of the actuator elements thereby conditions the postage meter to provide a corresponding indication of postage. Reset apparatus resets the carriage following the selective energization of the actuator elements. With minor changes in the structure of the actuator elements, the automatic actuator can be used in conjunction with, for example, postage meters of the type having movable levers selectively positioned to establish corresponding monetary units of postage, or an array of columns of depressible keys, each key corresponding to any one of the possible monetary units of postage.