Power shut down delay circuit for a postage meter mailing machine having an ink jet printer system

Claim 1

An improved mailing machine for a postage meter mailing system, said postage meter mailing system having a meter vault including a controller, said controller of said meter vault having a communication port for receiving and transmitting data messages and for storing funds accounting data a digital printer including a controller for controlling printing of said digital printer, said controller of said printer having a communication port for receiving and transmitting data messages, a mailing machine including a controller for controlling operations of said mailing machine and having a communication port for receiving and transmitting data messages, a cleaning station, a printer transport for transporting said digital printer to and from said cleaning station, a printer interface means for providing a communication path between said mailing machine, meter vault and said printer, wherein said improved mailing machine comprising: sensor means for sensing the presents of said printer at said cleaning station and generating an output to said mailing machine controller in response, a power supply having a main transformer and a plurality of secondary transformer in parallel electrical communication over first and second electrical lines, a switch means having a first input and output stage and a second input and output stage, said first input and output stage interposed between said first electrical line between said main transformer and one of said second transformers, said second input and output stage being in electronic communication with said mailing machine controller such that when said switch means is open a first voltage level is received by said mailing machine controller and when said switch means is closed a second voltage level is received by said mailing machine controller, by-pass means having a first mode for providing an electrical by-pass alone said first electrical line around said first input and output stage of said switch when said switch means is open, and a second mode for preventing electrical by-pass alone said first electrical line when said switch means is closed, means for placing said by-pass means in said second mode in response to initial opening of said switch means until said printer is positioned in said cleaning station and then causing said switch means to close.