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. 23, 1997
Filed:
Nov. 30, 1994
Harald Windel, Berlin, DE;
Frank Reisinger, Berlin, DE;
Claus Freytag, Berlin, DE;
Ralf Kubatzki, Berlin, DE;
Enno Bischoff, Berlin, DE;
Andreas Wagner, Berlin, DE;
Peter Rieckhoff, Berlin, DE;
Marcus Hansel, Berlin, DE;
Stephan Gunther, Berlin, DE;
Francotyp-Postalia GmbH, Birkenwerder, DE;
Abstract
In a method for improving the security of postage meter machines, the intent to conduct an authorized opening of the machine, such as for inspection or maintenance purposes, is first reported to a central data station, after the postage meter machine to be opened has established communication between the machine and the central data station. The postage meter machine has a code word stored therein, the presence of this code word being necessary for authorized operation of the machine. Following the request to open, the central data station transmits a new code word to the postage meter machine, which is also stored therein. Upon any opening of the postage meter machine, the current code word is automatically erased. If the opening is authorized, and thus a new code word is stored in the machine, this new code word is automatically substituted for the erased code word, so that operation of the machine can proceed in a normal fashion. If the opening is unauthorized, and thus there is no new code word to replace the erased code word, the machine is automatically placed in a first mode, which prevents operation of the machine.