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:
Jun. 19, 2001
Filed:
Sep. 02, 1998
Ralf Mueller, Berlin, DE;
Francotyp-Postalia AG & Co., Birkenwerder, DE;
Abstract
A postage meter machine has a digital printer device with a guide plate and a transport mechanism for print media controlled by a control unit that generates print control signals for a printhead in order to print the print medium surface with a corresponding print format while the print medium is being transported past the printhead. A print sensor is arranged in the guide plate before a recess for the printhead. A preparation sensor is arranged in the guide plate at a predetermined distance upstream, preceding the print sensor. The control unit includes a microprocessor to which an encoder for determining the belt travel path of the conveyor belt and the aforementioned sensors are connected. The microprocessor, together with a memory, forms a belt counter that is updated on the basis of the signals supplied by the encoder. The microprocessor is programmed to identify a letter jam, a valid letter format or an error on the basis of preparation sensor and print sensor interrogations and a determination of the belt travel path, and to exactly undertake the print control in a path-controlled manner.