US4559444A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Postage meter
Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc
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Filing: 1985-02-14
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Granted: 1985-12-17
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Expires: 2005-02-14
Abstract
Abstract A postage meter having a fixed coplanar printing die is provided with security means to prevent making of fraudulent impressions. This security means involves the use of interposers extending upward and through the space into which an envelope or other workpieces may be inserted. During the legitimate cycling operation these interposers are moved out of guarding position and the postage meter carries out its normal function.
Inventors
- 👤 Timothy R. Erwin
- 👤 Robert E. Manna
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 20:09
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07B; G07B17/00; G07B17/00459; G07B17/00508; G07B2017/00516; G07B2017/00524; G07B2017/00548
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
106 words
A postage meter having in a non-cycling position a flat bed printing mechanism comprising a print wheel having a plurality of wheel segments, an inker assembly, a letter guide means, and at least one protector arm, said print wheel segments having interposed therebetween rectifiers having smaller vertical dimensions than said print wheel segments, forming thereby a gap between said segments, said letter guide block in adjacent and vertical spaced relationship to said print wheel and separated therefrom by a space, said protector arm extending upwardly into said gap and through said space to form thereby a blocking means to any workpiece contact with said print wheel.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
106 words
A postage meter having in a non-cycling position a flat bed printing mechanism comprising a print wheel having a plurality of wheel segments, an inker assembly, a letter guide means, and at least one protector arm, said print wheel segments having interposed therebetween rectifiers having smaller vertical dimensions than said print wheel segments, forming thereby a gap between said segments, said letter guide block in adjacent and vertical spaced relationship to said print wheel and separated therefrom by a space, said protector arm extending upwardly into said gap and through said space to form thereby a blocking means to any workpiece contact with said print wheel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The postage meter of claim 1 wherein said arm comprises at its forward portion a protector blade.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The postage meter of claim 1 wherein said arm comprises at its rear portion a roller means adapted to control the vertical movement of said arm.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
52 words
The postage meter of claim 1 wherein said arm comprises a blade at its forward portion and roller means at its rear portion, said arm movably attached to said letter guide means at a point between said blade and said roller, said arm adapted to move into and out of said gaps.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
The postage meter of claim 1 wherein said arm is adapted to be disengaged and lowered out of contact with said gap to permit thereby access to said print wheel by a workpiece to be marked.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
The postage meter of claim 1 wherein said arm and said letter guide means are attached and both adapted to move in a horizontal manner when said protector arm is engaged and disengaged.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
118 words
A flat bed printing postage meter in a non-cycling position, comprising in combination a letter guide means, a print wheel assembly, an inker assembly and at least one protector arm, said print wheel assembly comprising a plurality of side by side segments each separated by a rectifier, said rectifier having smaller vertical dimensions than said segments to form thereby a gap between each adjacent segment, said protector arm having at its forward portion a protector blade, said letter guide means being separated from said print wheel assembly by a space, said protector blade extending upward through substantially the entire said space and into said gap to provide thereby a blocking means to workpiece contact with said print wheel.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
118 words
A flat bed printing postage meter in a non-cycling position, comprising in combination a letter guide means, a print wheel assembly, an inker assembly and at least one protector arm, said print wheel assembly comprising a plurality of side by side segments each separated by a rectifier, said rectifier having smaller vertical dimensions than said segments to form thereby a gap between each adjacent segment, said protector arm having at its forward portion a protector blade, said letter guide means being separated from said print wheel assembly by a space, said protector blade extending upward through substantially the entire said space and into said gap to provide thereby a blocking means to workpiece contact with said print wheel.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
The postage meter of claim 7 wherein said arm comprises at its rear portion a roller means adapted to control the vertical movement of said arm.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
53 words
The postage meter of claim 7 wherein said arm comprises a blade at its forward portion and a roller means at its rear portion, said arm movably attached to said letter guide means at a point between said blade and said roller, said arm adapted to move into and out of said gaps.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
36 words
The postage meter of claim 7 wherein said arm is adapted to be disengaged and lowered out of contact with said gap to permit thereby access to said print wheel by a workpiece to be marked.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
33 words
The postage meter of claim 7 wherein said arm and said letter guide means are attached and both adapted to move in a horizontal manner when said protector arm is engaged and disengaged.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-12-16 | 1989-06-17 | 1989-12-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-12-16 | 1993-06-17 | 1993-12-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-12-16 | 1997-06-17 | 1997-12-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |