Postage meter with keyboard keys for changing postage unused amount

Abstract

In a postage meter having structure for printing postage, for displaying numerical values and for entering data, and which includes a computer electrically connected to the printing, displaying and data entering structure, and wherein the computer is programmed for processing data for controlling the operation of the respective printing and displaying and data entering structures, and wherein the data entering structure includes a keyboard having a first plurality of depressable keys, and wherein the computer includes memory for storing a first amount corresponding to all postage then available for printing; there is provided apparatus and a method for changing the first amount to a new first amount. The method includes the steps of sequentially depressing a second plurality of keys of the keyboard, for entering a second amount into said computer, sequentially depressing a third plurality of keys of the keyboard, for entering a combination into the computer, and automatically processing the second amount and combination for adding the second amount to the first amount. Preferably, the step for entering the second amount includes the step of displaying a numerical value corresponding to said second amount, and the step for entering said combination includes the step of displaying a numerical value corresponding to said combination.