The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 10, 1987
Filed:
Dec. 20, 1984
Flavio Manduley, Woodbury, CT (US);
Edwin G Grisgraber, Huntington, CT (US);
Pitney Bowes Inc., Stamford, CT (US);
Abstract
A computation and control module suitable for use in a variety of postal scales as well as other types of mailroom equipment is disclosed. The module includes a microprocessor and associated circuitry; connectors for connecting ROM, which store firmware for controlling the microprocessor, and PROM, which store postal rate charts; an input/output connector; a serial interface for communications with postage meters; a non-volatile memory for storing parameters specific to particular units; and an auxiliary input/output connector. The auxiliary input/output connector is driven by selected, memory mapped interface circuitry mounted on the PROM card. The module also includes a load cell interface and a power supply. In one embodiment switches, responsive to the microprocessor, are provided for sequentially energizing various connectors and interfaces, so as to reduce power requirements. Systems comprising a plurality of computation and control modules are disclosed. Other systems including battery powered modules mechanically and electrically interconnected by a power distribution bus are also disclosed, as a modular power bus.