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:
Apr. 27, 1999
Filed:
Sep. 30, 1996
Edward P Cornell, Newton, CT (US);
Jerome E Jackson, Newton, CT (US);
Wallace Kirschner, Trumbull, CT (US);
Richard A Malin, Westport, CT (US);
Edward J Naclerio, Madison, CT (US);
Maria P Parkos, Southburg, CT (US);
John H Steinmetz, Bridgeport, CT (US);
Pitney Bowes Inc., Stamford, CT (US);
Abstract
A mailing system includes a mailing machine having a printing mechanism for printing an indication of postage value on a mailpiece and structure for controlling relative movement between the printing mechanism and the mailpiece to ensure the mailpiece is properly positioned relative to the printing mechanism during printing of the indication of postage value; a meter vault having a securely sealed housing, and apparatus, within the securely sealed housing, for accounting for the printed indication of postage value, wherein the meter vault is removably mounted in the mailing machine for easy removal via a plug-in connector; and a printing mechanism control module for securely controlling printing by the printing mechanism based on data received from the meter vault, the printing mechanism control module being removably mounted in the mailing machine for easy removal via a quick disconnect connector; wherein the meter vault and the printing mechanism control module are in electrical communication via the mailing machine. The mailing system can also include ciphered communications between the vault and the printing mechanism.