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:
Sep. 09, 1997
Filed:
Dec. 13, 1994
Kevin D Hunter, Stratford, CT (US);
Perry A Pierce, Darien, CT (US);
Pitney Bowes Inc., Stamford, CT (US);
Abstract
An interface apparatus is provided with a number of communication ports for providing a communication interface between a postage meter and a plurality of external devices, such as, a scale and a modem. A principal communications port connectable to the postage meter. A secure communication port is provided for receiving messages on a secure scale using encrypted protocol signals. The interface unit includes an additional number of unsecured ports for communication with unsecured devices such as a modem or an unsecured scale utilizing conventional protocol signals. The interface further includes a programmable microcontroller in bus communication with a random access memory, a non-volatile memory and a program memory, a first communication bus connecting the principal port to the microcontroller and a second communication bus connecting one or more of the second communication ports to the microcontroller. The microcontroller of the interface unit is programmed to establish a communication link between one of the second communication ports and the principal port pursuant to a communication request signal from the principal port identifying which of the second communication ports for communication. Conversely, the microcontroller can establish a communication link between the second communication port and the principal communication port pursuant to a communication request from one of the second communication ports. The messages being communicated are comprised of a number of message frames and each of the message frames has a header, one of headers being designated for message frames which are intended to be directed to the interface unit. The interface unit monitors the header portion of each message frame and stripping the message frames from the messages having the designated message frame header for messages intended as instructions for the interface unit. An established communication link can be interrupted when a message having the designated message frame header and message frame instructs the microcontroller to establish communication between the microcontroller and the postage meter through principal port.