Power shut down delay circuit for a postage meter mailing machine having

Abstract

A mailing machine includes a digital printer for printing a postage indicia on a mail piece. The mailing machine including a controller for controlling the operations of the mailing machine and a printer transport for transporting the digital printer to a cleaning station when the printer is not in use. A sensor is positioned at the cleaning station for sensing the presents of the printer and generating an output to the mailing machine controller in response. The mailing machine power supply includes a main transformer and a plurality of secondary transformer in parallel electrical communication over first and second electrical lines. A single-pole-double-throw switch has its first input and output stage interposed between the first electrical line between the main transformer and one of the second transformers. The second input and output stage of the switch is in electronic communication with the mailing machine controller such that when the switch is open a first voltage level is received by the mailing machine controller and when the switch means is closed a second voltage level is received by the mailing machine controller. The switch provides an electrical by-pass alone the first electrical line around the first input and output stage of the switch when the switch is open unexpectedly by an operator. A by-pass gate responses to the initial opening of the DPST switch to provide a power by-pass until the mailing machine controller is informed that the printer is properly positioned in the cleaning station.