Postal meter with letter weight checking device

Claim 2

Postal meter comprising a device for printing the postage on letters and support means on which each letter is held stationary during a short time before being introduced into the device for printing, said device for printing being set to a predetermined amount corresponding to a predetermined weight, said support means comprising a weighing device, means responsive to the weighing device which permits printing if the weight of the letter is less than or equal to the predetermined weight and prevents printing if the weight is more than the predetermined weight.

Claim 3

Postal meter as set forth in claim 1, wherein said printing device is adapted to be adjusted for modifying the postage tax to be printed, and said weighing device comprises an adjustable counterweight adapted to be brought selectively to different positions corresponding to various ranges of weights requiring different franking amounts.

Claim 4

Postal meter as set forth in claim 1, wherein said weighing device is also associated with means capable of releasing an alarm signal when the letter which, at a given time, lies on said support means weighs more than said predetermined weight.

Claim 5

Postal meter as set forth in claim 3, comprising an electric circuit controlling said printing device, and wherein said release means comprise a first front contact responsive to said weighing device and inserted in an electric alarm circuit, and said means for preventing the operation of said printing device comprise a back contact responsive to said weighing device and inserted in the printing control circuit, said front contact and back contact being closed and open, respectively, when the weight of the letter exceeds the predetermined weight so as to actuate an alarm device inserted in said alarm circuit, and cut out the control circuit and thus prevent the operation of said printing device.

Claim 6

Postal meter as set forth in claim 1, wherein a plate adapted to carry a letter in the printing area of the printing device is provided and wherein said plate is vertically movable and constitutes the plate of a beam scale.

Claim 7

Postal meter as set forth in claim 5, wherein a retractable cam adapted normally to hold the plate in its upper position is provided and adapted to be retracted for releasing the plate when an operator controls the printing of a postage tax after having placed a letter on said plate.