Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
132~
CUTTER MODULE FOR A MODULAR MAILING MACHINE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to imprinting systems, such as,
postage meter mailing machine, which systems are used to
imprint information on a sheet-like median and, more
particularly, to a mailing machine having means for providing
an postage indicia printed tape.
In the mail processing field, it is most desirable for
a system operator to be able to deliver to mail processing
equipment a batch of "Mixed mail", that is, the batch is
comprised of a large number of envelopes of varying
dimensions, particularly, thickness and weigh. The ability
of a mail processing system to process a large variety of
mixed mail eliminates the need of the system operator from
performing the preliminary step of presorting the mail. It
is further desirable for mail processing equipment to be able
to weigh the individual envelopes and affix the appropriate
postage value indicia in accordance with the envelope
weight. It is generally considered advantageous if the mail
processing equipment can imprint a quality indicia upon
envelopes varying in thickness from that of a postcard to
approximately a quarter (1/4) of an inch. It is also
considered advantageous for the mail processing equipment to
possess the capability to imprint a postage indicia on tape
strips which can be affixed to packages to large to be
accepted by the mail processing equipment.
It is known to provide mail processing equipment
comprised of a feeder for singularly delivering envelope in
series to a transport assembly. The transport assembly
deposi.s the envelope on the scale for weighing. After a
sufficient time to assure a true scale reading of the
envelope weight, commonly referred to as "weight on the
pause", the transport assembly again assumes control over the
envelope and delivers the envelope to the a mailing machine.
The mailing machine is most commonly comprised of a
integral transport assembly and attached rotatory print drum
~,~
132~
type postage meter. The mailing machine transport assembly
assumes speed control over the envelope performing any
necessary speed adjustments to the envelope required to match
the envelopes traversing speed with the imprinting speed to
the postage meter print drum to promote a quality indicia
print. It is known for the postage meter to include a value
setting mechanism under the influence of the scale which
causes the postage meter value setting mechanism to adjust
the postage meter printing mechanism for printing of the
appropriate postage rate on the approaching envelope
according to the envelope weight as determined by the scale.
The mail processing system depicted above has as its
primary objectives ~i) the capability to process a
dimensionally wide variety of envelopes particularly with
respect to thickness and weight (ii) as fast as possible in
terms of envelope per second (iii) while applying a quality
postal indicia. The described mail processing system has
several limiting factors with respect to increasing
throughput relative to system cost. One such limiting factor
is represented by the time required in transporting the
envelopes from one process station to another. Another
limiting factor is reflected in the time necessary to obtain
an accurate weight from the scale. While such factors as
transport time and weighing time can conceivable be decreased
by incorporating advance system technics, the rule of
diminishing returns predicts that small improvements in
system throughput by such an incorporation would be
achievable at disproportionally high increases in system
cost.
One possible alternative means of increasing the
throughput of such mail processing systems is to provide
multiple scales and a suitable transport system such that the
scales are placed in alternative use. Such an arrangement
would conceivably allow overlapping of system process or
function to achieve a significant increase system through.
However, such an alternative represents added cost from both
an equipment and system complexity standpoint.
13229~1
In order for the mail processing equipment to
accommodate the processing of packaged mail, it is
desirable to include the capability within the mail
processing equipment by a suitable mechanism to produce
postage indicia printed tape strip which can be adhered
to packaged mail. such a mechanism optimally would not
detract from the speed capability of the mail processing
equipment to nominally process envelope mail.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an objective of an aspect of the present
invention to present a tape cutting mechanism of a
generally module form integratable into a mailing machine
for cutting individual strips of postage indicia printed
tape strip which can be adhered to packaged mail. The
cutter module is integrated into the mailing machine so
as not detract from the speed capability of the mail
machine to nominally process envelope mail.
It is an objective of an aspect of the present
invention to present a tape cutting mechanism of a
generally module form integratable into a mailing machine
and auto~atically responsive to a tape supply mechanism
integral to the mailing machine for facilitating the
production postage indicia printed tape strip such that
the individual strips of postage indicia printed tape
strip are cut pursuant to their production.
Various aspects of the invention are as follows:
A combination comprising:
a mailing machine having a base and support walls
extending therefrom;
a tape module including a tape track, support means
for supporting said tape track in a generally
cantilevered manner, tape positioning means for
selectively positioning said support means in a first
position and in a second position laterally displaced
from said first position, said tape positioning means
having a track formed along one of said mailing machine
,~
13229~1
3a
support walls;
a rail slidably mounted on said track;
a first bracket fixably mounted to said rail, said
support means being pivotally mounted to said first
bracket;
a second bracket fixably mounted to said rail, said
second bracket having an elongated slot formed therein;
a motor fixably mounted to said base of said mailing
machine;
a crank rotatably mounted in said mailing machine
and having a pin slidably mounted in said slot of said
second bracket such that rotation of said crank causes
said second bracket to displace said rail along said
track;
means communicating said motor to said crank such
that actuation of said motor causes rotation of said
crank;
tape feed means for selectively feeding imprinting
tape to and through said tape track; and
a cutter module having a cutter support member
slidably mounted to one of a mailing machine support
walls such that said cutter support member can be
slidably displaced laterally with respect to said tape
track, a rotary cutter blade rotatably mounted to said
cutter support member, said means for communicating
further having means for reciprocally displacing said
cutter support member traverse to said tape track of said
tape module, and means for providing a cutting surface
coactive with said rotary cutter blade.
A combination comprisinq:
a mailing machine having support walls, a base and a
tape module, said tape module including a tape track,
support means for supporting said tape track in a
generally cantilevered manner, motor means for
selectively positioning said support means in a first
position and in a second position laterally displaced
from said first position, said motor means having a motor
which positions said support means when actuated in a
.
1322~1
3b
first rotational direction, tape feed means for feeding
one of a plurality of imprinting tape to and through said
tape track such that said fed imprinting tape resides
within said tape track;
a cutter module having a cutter support member
slidably mounted to one of said mailing machine support
walls such that said cutter support member can be
slidably displaced laterally with respect to said tape
track of said tape module;
a rotary cutter blade rotatably mounted to said
cutter support member;
means for reciprocally displacing said cutter
support member traverse to said tape track of said tape
module, said means for reciprocally displacing said
cutter support member being in communication with said
motor means such that said cutter support member is
reciprocated in response to rotational displacement of
said motor means; and
means for providing cutting surface coactive with
said rotary cutter blade.
A mailing machine comprised of a plurality of
modules, each of said modules mounted in said mailing
machine to perform a single process station, said mailing
machine having a base and a plurality of support walls,
wherein said modules comprises:
a scale module having means for weighing an
envelope;
a transport module having means for positioning said
envelope in said process station and ejecting said
envelope from said process station;
a meter module having a registration area and a
printing means located in said registration area for
imprinting an indicia on said envelope, said registration
area being vertically aligned to and spaced above said
recess in said weighing plate;
a platen module having a platen plate and
elastomeric member flexibly mounted to a first surface of
said platen plate;
\.'i~
1322~51
platen support means for supporting said platen
plate such that said elastomeric member is opposite said
registration area of said meter module and such that said
platen plate can be selectively positioned in a first
position wherein said elastomeric member is in close
proximity to said printing means of said meter module and
a second position wherein said elastomeric member is
positioned generally below said weigh plate of said scale
module, and
a tape module, including:
a tape track;
support means for supporting said tape track in a
generally cantilevered manner;
tape positioning means for selectively positioning
said support means in a first position and in a second
position longitudinally removed from said first position;
tape feed means for selectively feeding one of a
plurality of imprinting tapes to and through said tape
track such that said fed imprinting tape resides within
said tape track when said tape track is in said second
position; a cutter module including:
a cutter support member slidably mounted to one of
said mailing machine support walls such that said cutter
support member can be slidably displaced longitudinally
transverse to said end of said tape track of said tape
module;
a rotary cutter blade rotatably mounted to said
cutter support member;
means for reciprocally displacing said cutter
support member transverse to said tape track of said tape
module, said means being in communication with said motor
such that said cutter support member is reciprocated in
response to rotational displacement of said motor in a
second direction; and
means for providing cutting surface coactive with
said rotary cutter blade.
An improved mailing machine having support walls and
a base, and having means for imprinting indicia
1322~51
3d
information on a portion of tape and for causing said
printed tape portion to be ejected from said mailing
machine, wherein said improvement comprises:
a cutter module having a cutter support member
slidably mounted to one of said mailing machine support
walls such that said cutter support member can be
slidably displaced traverse to said ejected tape portion;
a rotary cutter blade rotatably mounted to said0 cutter support member;
means for reciprocally displacing said cutter
support member traverse to said tape portion; and
means for providing a cutting surface coactive with
said rotary cutter blade.
A cutter module embodying the present invention
is
particularly suited for employment in a novel postage
meter mailing machine having an increased throughput
capability, in part, resultant from providing the mailing
machine with a single process station whereat an envelope
can be weighed and an postage value indicia applied. The
mailing machine includes a transport assembly for
properly positioning an envelope in the process station.
The envelope is fed to the mailing machine transport
assembly by a suitable envelope feed apparatus, such as,
a mixed mail feeder. After the envelope has been weighed
and imprinted at the process station, the transport
assembly assumes control over the
, .
~22~
-- 4 --
envelope again and ejects or discharges the envelope from the
mailing machine.
The mailing machine process station is comprised of an
integral scale suitable adapted to accommodate the transport
assembly, an envelope sealing assembly complimentary to the
transport assembly is optionally provided, a vertically
displaceable flat printing platen and a postage meter support
assembly for supporting a suitably attached postage meter.
By employing a multiply function processing station the
mailing machine throughput is substantially increased by
facilitating minimum time lag between functional operations
on each envelope and eliminating the transportation time
required by multiply process station systems.
Generally the scale is isolation mounted to the mailing
machine base and includes a plurality of slots in the
weighing plate of the scale. The weighing plate has mounted
thereto a plurality to support members having a generally
C-configuration. The support members have fixably mounted
thereto a envelope clamping assembly which function to clamp
an envelope to the weighing plate during weighing and to
promote transport of the envelope.
The transport assembly is comprised of a plurality of
rollers independently supported by the mailing machine base
in a manner which permits the rollers to assume a vertically
engaged position (up position) in communication with the
clamping assembly or a vertically disengaged position (down
position) out of communication with the clamping assembly.
Each roller is aligned to journey partly through a respective
slot in the up position. A bi-directional drive motor
assembly is in communication with each roller via a endless
belt. The drive motor assembly includes a one way clutch
interactive with the transport assembly such that motor
actuation in a first direction results in the endless belt
imparting a driving force to each roller and motor actuation
in the second direction causes the transport assembly to
reposition the rollers in the second position.
The sealing assembly is mounted in the mailing machine
in a suspended manner over a portion of the weighing plate of
~322~1
the scale and includes a plurality of sealing members
selectively positionable in a first position being biased
downwardly and a second position being placed in a upwardly
retracted position. In the first position, a plurality of
the sealing members are biased other ones of the transport
rollers.
The mailing machine further includes a vertically
displaceable platen assembly mounted to the base of the
mailing machine and aligned for cooperatively acting with a
suitable postage meter mounted to the postage meter support
assembly.
The tape module includes a support means for supporting
a tape track in a generally cantilevered manner to extend
generally below the meter module located to one side of the
meter module. The tape module can be selectively positioned
in a first position such that the tape track is located
longitudinally below and vertically between the printing
means of the meter module and the platen assembly. In a
second position of the tape module, the tape track is
positioned longitudinally below and longitudinally in spaced
relationship to the printing means of the meter module and
the platen module. The tape module includes a tape feed
which can selectively deliver to the tape track one of two
type of tape for imprinting by the meter module.
The cutter module includes a lever arm slidably mounted
to a mailing machine support wall traverse to the exit path
of a tape strip from the tape module. The lever arm
rotatably carries a rotary cutter blade. The lever arm is
driven in a reciprocating motion by a crank.
The mailing machine further includes an inking
mechanism for depositing ink on the meter print elements and
a tape dispensing mechanism.
Other capabilities and advantages of the present
invention will be apparent or presented in the following
detailed description of the invention.
1322951
-- 6 --
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a sectioned exploded view of a mailing
machine in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 2 is top view of the mailing machine.
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of a scale
module and transport module in accordance with the present
invention.
Fig. 4 is a sectioned elevational view of the mailing
machine.
Fig. 5 is a section side view of the transport module
frame support member.
Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a platen module in
accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a inking module in
accordance with the present invention.
Figs. 8 and 8a are elevational and partial views
of a tape module in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 9 is a partial perspective view of the tape
module.
Fig. 10 is a side elevational view of the tape module.
Fig. 11 is a side elevational view of a cutting module
in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 12 is a side elevational view of the mailing
machine.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The novel postage meter mailing machine particularly
suited for employment of the present invention employs a
novel modular architecture. That is, the mailing machine is
comprised of subsystems which are not interdependent.
Therefor, the mailing machine can be configured to include
only those subsystems modules necessary to meet particular
operational needs for a given application environment or,
alternatively, the mailing machine can be configured to
include the full array of subsystems modules providing
maximum application flexibility. For example, where the use
environment is restricted to processing uniform mail, the
scale module, subsequently described, may be omitted in
1322~1
substantial portion from the mailing machine without
affect the system performance of remain modules or the
system controller.
Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, a mailing machine,
generally indicated as 11, employs a novel subsystems
modular architecture comprising a scale module 13, a
transport module 12, a postage meter module 15, a tape
feed module 17, a inking module 19, and a platen module
21. The modules are located within the mailing machine
11 such that the scale module 13 is located frontwardly
of parallel support walls 33 and 35 of the mailing
machine 11. The support walls 33 and 35 are fixably
mounted to the mailing machine base 30 in lateral spaced
apart relationship. Mounted to the base plate 30
between the support walls 33 and 35 is the ink module
19. Mounted above the ink module 19 to the support
walls 33 and 35 is the postage meter module 15. The
platen module 21 is mounted to the base 30 just below a
registration portion of the posta~e meter 15, to be
described more fully later. In addition, the mailing
machine has mounted to the wall 35 the tape feed module
17 of the present invention coactive in the preferred
embodiment with a tape cutting mechanism 230.
Referring to Figs. 1 and 3, the scale module 13
most suited for the present invention is of the
resilient type more fully described in U.S. Patent No.
4,478,018, entitled APPARATUS AND METHOD OF DETERMINING
THE MASS OF AN ARTICLE BY MEASURING THE SHIFT IN THE
PERIOD OF HARMONIC MOTION. Briefly, the resilient type
scale, most suited and described in the noted
applications, utilizes the principles of harmonic
vibration for the purpose of determining the weight of
an article. A flexibly mounted platform (inclusive of
members 37, 40, 43, 45, 47 and 49) is cause to oscillate
by an initial excitation action ~not here shown). The
frequency of the oscillation is primarily dependent
1322~5~
7a
upon the total mass of the platform, and anything
connected thereto, such as, envelope residing on the
platform, and the platform spring constant. As a result
the mass of an envelope residing on the platform can be
1 3 2 ~
determined and a weight assigned by comparing the oscillation
obtained subsequent to residence of the envelope with the
know nominal oscillation. For the purpose of brevity, the
heredescribed portion of the scale module 13 represents that
portion of the resilient type scale necessary to illustrated
the scales' interrelationship with the mailing machine 11.
Referring particularly to Figs. 1, 2, and 3, the scale
module 13 is of the resilient type and includes a weighing
plate 37 supported by vertical beam members 40 at one of
their respective ends. The other end of each beam member 40
is fixably mounted to a counter plate 42. The mailing
machine base 30 includes a plurality of scale support post 36
each support post 36 including a flex member 34. Each flex
member 34 is fixably mounted to the counter plate 42 in such
a way as to provide isolation mounting for the scale module
13 from the base 30.
The weighing plate 37 is generally rectangular in shape
and includes a longitudinally extending recess 38 formed
along the rearward side of the weighing plate 37 also formed
in the weighing plate are a plurality of co-linearly aligned
slots 41 ~not shown in Fig. 3 for the purpose of clarity). A
first generally C-configuration clamp 43 is fixably mounted
along the rearward side of the weighing plate laterally to
one side of the recess 38. A second generally C-configured
clamp 45 is fixably mounted to the rearward side of the
weighing plate 37 laterally to the other side of the recess
38. A support beam 47 (shown in phantom in Fig. 3 for the
purpose of clarity) is fixably mounted at its ends to the
respective clamps 43 and 45. Rotatably mounted by
conventional means to the support beam 47 is a plurality of
clamping members 49 each of which is mounted such that it is
positioned over a respective one of said slots 41. Each of
the clamping members 49 includes a mounting arm 51 rotatably
mounted to the support beam 47 at one end and biased
downwardly by any conventional means such as a spring. The
other end of the mounting arm 51 has fixably mounted thereto
a generally arched flange member 53 laterally sized to
1322~1
prevent the flange member 53 from venturing into a
respective slot 41.
It should be appreciated that to the extent that the
weighing function is not desired to be included, the
scale module as aforedescribed, inclusive of the
functional capabilities cited in the patent herein noted,
may be illuminated. The only modification or
substitution necessary is the employment of a transport
plate, of like construction to the weighing plate 37,
which transport plate can be fixably mounted directly to
mailing machine base 30 and including the clamps 43 and
45, support beam 47 and clamp members 49. The members
43, 45, 47 and 49, in the preferred embodiment of this
invention, are maintained for interaction with the
transport module in a manner hereafter described.
It is noted that as viewed in Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 4,
the preferred embodiment of the present invention
includes a sealing modules, generally indicated as 42.
The sealing module 30 is comprised of a generally L-
shaped support member 44. The support member 44 isfixably mounted at one end to the mailing machine base
30. The other end of the support member 44 rotatably
supports a plurality of sealing members 46 biased
downwardly by a respective spring 48. The sealing
members 46 are aligned longitudinally in a generally
staggered relationship and include tab 56. A solenoid 50
is fixably mounted to the support member 44 such that the
solenoid piston arm 52 abuts a portion of a transfer link
54 slidably mounted to the support member 44. The
transfer link 54 in part abuts the respective sealing
member tab 56. Actuation of the solenoid 50 causes the
solenoid piston arm 52 to displace the transfer link 54
which thereby causes the sealing members 46 to rotate to
a spaced apart relationship to the weighing plate 37
during the weighing process.
Referring to Figs. 3, 4, and 5, the transport module
12 is comprised of a plurality of first guide rollers 57
are rotatably mounted to a frame 58 (best sh~wn in Figs.
3 and 4). The frame 58 includes support seats 70, each
seat 70 having a resident seat 72. A plurality of
generally L-shaped support members 74 are fixably mounted
at one end to the base
, ~
1~ 2 ~ ~ ~.P ~.
- 10 -
30 such that they do not interfere with the counter plate 42
of the scale module. The other end of the support member 74
is receive in a respective seat 70 of the frame 58. Each
support member 74 includes a seat 76 having a guide pin 78
biased in the vertically upward direction by a spring 80
residing therein. A portion of the guide pin 78 also, in
part, resides in the seat 72 of the respective frame seat 72.
Also rotatably mounted to the frame 58 is a plurality
of rollers 61 positioned vertically downwardly from and
between a adjacent guide rollers 57. Fixably mounted by any
conventional means so as not to interfere with the operation
of the scale module 13 to the base 30 of the mailing machine
is a bi-directional drive motor 63 and associated drive
train, generally indicated at 65. An endless belt 69 is
placed in driving communication with the drive train 65 which
includes a one way clutch arrangement, generally indicated as
67. The endless belt 69 is positioned in a serpentine manner
around rollers 57 and 61 thereby providing driving
communication between the drive motor 63 and the rollers 57.
When belt 69 is driven in the envelope feed direction
of the mailing machine by the drive motor 63 as permitted by
the one-way clutch 67, the frame 58 will assume the nominal
or first position pursuant to the urging of the spring biased
guide pin 78. In the first position, the rollers 57 are
positioned by the frame 58 to extend through and slightly
above a resp~ctive slot 41 in the weighing platform 37. When
the belt 69 is driven in a reverse direction to the envelope
feed direction, the one-way clutch prevents continues
displacement of the belt 69 causing the belt 69 to impart a
downward force on the frame 58 overcoming the biasing force
of the springs 80. As a result, the frame 58 is displaced
downward to a second position causing the rollers 57 to be
withdrawn from the slots 41. It is noted that the drive
train 65 includes a take-up roller 66 biased in a
conventional manner such that when the frame 58 is in the
second position the take-up maintains the belt 69 in a taut
condition.
1322~1
-- 11 --
It is now apparent that when the rollers 57 are
withdrawn from the slots 41, the clamps 47 bias a envelope on
the weighing plate thereagainst which facilitates the
weighing process. When the rollers 57 are journeyed
partially into the slots 41, the clamps 47 assist the
transport function.
Referring to Figs. 1, 2, 4, and 12 and more
particularly Fig. 6, as afore noted, the postage meter lS is
mounted between the support walls 33 and 35. The postage
meter includes a forwardly located registration area,
generally indicated as 82. Mounted to the base 30 of the
mailing machine just below the register area 82 of the
postage meter 15 is the platen module 21. The platen module
21 includes a support wall 81 fixably mounted the base 30. A
plurality of C-brackets 83 and guide pins 85 are fixably
mounted to one face of the support wall 81 in vertical
alignment to allow a platen guide rod 87 to vertically slide
along a defined vertical path. A platen guide rod 87 is
laterally captured by the C-brackets 83 and guide pins 85 and
has fixably mounted to its top a platen plate 89. Also
fixably mounted to the platen plate in laterally spaced
relationship is a first and second rack post 91 and 93,
respectively. Fixably mounted atop the platen plate 89 is a
elastomeric material having a generally rectangular shape of
uniform thickness.
A drive motor 97 is mounted to and between parallel
support brackets 99 such that the rack posts 91 and 93 are
outboard of the respective brackets 99. The drive motor 97
includes a drive shaft 101 which extends axially through the
drive motor 97. At each end of the drive shaft 101 is
fixably mounted a gear 103 aligned to be in constant mesh
with a respective rack post 91 and 93. It is now appreciated
that actuation of the drive motor 97 can cause the rack post
to elevate the platen plate 89 to bring the elastomeric
member 95 into engagement with a properly positioned envelcpe
in the meter register projection area and, in so doing, cause
an indicia to be imprinted on the envelope.
~22~1
- 12 -
Referring now to Figs. 1, 7, and 12, the inking module
19 is located between the support walls 33 and 35 of the
mailing machine 25. A motor mounting plate 111 is fixably
mounted vertically to the base plate 30. A drive motor 113
is fixably mounted to the motor mounting plate 111 such that
the output shaft 115 extends through the plate 111. Fixably
mounted around one end of the output shaft 115 outboard of
the plate 111 is a gear 117. A second gear 119 is pivotally
mounted to the base 30 in constant mesh with gear 117. A
linkage assembly comprised of a driving shaft or first link
121 is fixably mounted to the second gear 119 at one end.
Fixably mounted along the first link 121 is a second link 123
and a third link 125 in spaced apart parallel orientation a
fourth link 127 is pivotally mounted at its respective ends
to a respective link 125 and 123. A first and second
transfer link 129 and 130, respectively, are pivotally
mounted in spaced apart relationship at one end to the fourth
link 127. Fixably mounted inboard to each of the support
walls 33 and 35 is a first guide pin 135 and a second guide
pin 137.
Each of the transfer links 129 and 130 extend
respectively below a guide pin 135 and above a guide pin 137
such that the guide pins 135 and 137 act to guide the
longitudinal displaceable path, respectively, of the transfer
links 129 and 130. The guide pins 135 and 137 also provide
vertical support. Fixably mounted to the forward end of each
of the transfer links is a ink pad well 139 in which a ink
pad resides (now shown). At the other end of each of the
transfer links 129 and 130 is formed a tilting surface 141.
It can therefore be appreciated that upon actuation of the
motor 113 the linkage assembly is driven forwardly. The pins
135 are positioned such that when the ink pad tray 139 is
positioned just below the register area of the meter 15 the
tilt surface 141 are brought into forced engagement with the
pin 135 causing the transfer links 130 and 129 to be tilted
upwardly elevating the ink pad well 139 into engaging contact
with the register area 85 of meter 15.
~3229~1
Referring now to Figs. 1, 4, 8, 9, 10, and 12, the tape
module 17 is slidably mounted to the wall 35 along a track
150 formed along the outboard side of the wall 35. The tape
module consist of a rail 151 which is slidably mounted
longitudinally to track 150 to define the longitudinal
displacement path of the tape module 17. A bracket 155 is
fixably mounted to the rail 153. A second bracket 157 having
a generally vertically extended slot 159 is mounted to the
bracket 155. The bracket 155 includes a back wall 161 which
has mounted thereto a first tape drive motor 163 and a second
tape drive motor 165. The bracket 155 includes a first set
of longitudinally aligned bracket flanges 167. Pivotally
mounted to each of the flanges 167 is one end of a first
pivot arm 169. The bracket 155 further includes a second set
of bracket flanges 171 which, in like manner, has pivotally
mounted t~ereto, respectively, one end of a second pivot arm
173. The other end of each pivot arm 169 and 173 is
pivotally mounted to a tape guide housing 175.
The tape guide housing 175 has an entrance 177 aligned
opposite an exit 179. Fixably mounted in a cantilever
fashion to the tape guide housing 175 to extend outwardly
from the exit 179 of the tape guide housing 175 is a tape
track 181 having a wedged shape feed member 183 extending
partially into the tape guide housing 175. The tape track
181 and the feed member 183 are mounted to the side walls of
the housing 175 to laterally extend across the exit 179. It
is noted that the tape track 181 is comprised of a first and
second channeled side walls 174 and 176, respectively, having
a strip member 178 support by and longitudinally between the
side walls' channel (ref. to Fig. 8a). ~otata~ly mounted in
the tape guide housing 175 is a first and second tape drive
roller 185 and 187, respectively. Rotatably mounted in the
housing 175 opposite the first drive roller lB5 is a first
idler roller 187 and, in like manner, a second idler roller
191 is rotatablv mounted opposite the second tape drive
roller 187. A flexibl~ shaft 193 communicates the first
mot~r 163 to the first tape drive roller 185 and, in like
A
1~22~ ~ ~
- 14 -
manner, a second flexible shaft 195 communicates the second
tape drive motor 165 with the second tape drive roller 187.
The housing 175 further includes a flanged portion 197
having fixably mounted thereto a plurality of first guide
pins 198 and a plurality of second guide pins 199. A dual
tape support assembly 200 is fixably mounted to the base 30
and rotatably supports a first and a second roll of tape 203
and 205, respectively. The first roll of tape 203 is
threaded such the the guide pins align the tape 203 for
journey into the housing 175 and tape track 181. The tape
203 is located in the tape track 181 so as to be captured
between the channeled side walls 174 and 176 resting on the
strip 178. As shown in figure 8 and in accordance with the
preferred embodiment of the invention, the tape 203 is a
backing tape supplied with sufficient backing lead such that
the backing 180 will extend in a reverse direction below the
strip 178 to and between the idle roller 191 and the drive
roller 187 such that actuation of the drive roller 187 on the
tape backing 180 causes the tape 203 to be advanced and the
backing pealed away. The tape 205 is journeyed around the
pin 198 to pass between idle roller 198 and drive roller 185
and into the tape track 181 to rest on the tape 203 and
captured between the channeled side walls 174 and 176.
Optionally, it may be desired for the 203 to be of the
non-backing type. As indicated in phantom in Fig. 9, the
tape can be optionally threaded directly between rollers 187
and 191 the the track 181.
Referring more particularly to Figs. 10 and 12, the
tape module 17 is slidable along a track 150 formed formed in
wall 35 pursuant motivation of second bracket 157. It is
noted that the tape module 17 is so positioned relative to
the registration area 8Q of the postage meter 15 and the
platen module 21 such that the track 181 is located in a
first position between the postage meter registration area 80
and the platen module 21. In a second position the track 181
is repositioned below the postage meter 15 clear of platen
plate 89 travel. The position of the track 150 dependent
upon the location of the second bracket 157.
- 15
In order to motivate the second bracket 157 and, in
turn position the track 181 in the first (as indicated in
phantom in Fig. 12) or second position, a motor 210 is
fixably mounted to the mailing machine base 30. Fixably
mounted around the output shaft of the motor 210 is a pulley
212. Rotatably mounted to the wall 35 is a double pulley
assembly 214 which includes a first pulley 216 and second
pulley 220. The first pulley 216 is in driven communication
with the motor 210 through an endless belt 218 journeyed
between the pulleys 212 and 216. A crank assembly 222 is
rotatably mounted to the wall 35 and includes a pulley 224 in
driven communication with the pulley 220 of the pulley
assembly 214 through an endless belt 226. The crank assembly
214 also includes a crank arm 228 having a slide pin 230
residing in the slot 159 of the bracket 157 of the tape
module 17.
Motivation of the tape module 17 along the track 150 is
accomplished by causing the motor 212 to rotate the pulley
212 in the direction shown in ~ig. 10. The rotation of
pulley 212 is transferred to pulley 224 of the crank assembly
222 through the double pulley assembly 214 by belts 218 and
216. The rotation of pulley 224 through one-half revolutions
causes the tape module 17 to displace from the first position
to the second position. Further actuation of the motor 210
causes the pulley 224 to further rotate to complete the
revolution resulting in the tape module returning to the
first position.
Referring to Fig. 11, the mailing machine may further
include a tape cutter module 230. The tape cutter module 230
3~ is comprised of dual track 232 mounted outboard of the wall
33. A member 234 is slidably mounted to track 232. A lever
arm 236 having a vertically directed slot 238 is fixably
mounted to the member 34. The lever arm 236 includes a
portion 240 which extends in a horizontal cantilevered manner
and has a rotary blade 242 rotatably mounted to the end of
the lever portion 240. A cutter beam 244 is mounted to the
wall 33 to cooperatively act with the rotary blade 242.
1 3 ~
- 16 -
Actuation of the cutter module 230 is provided by the
motor 210. When the mailing machine includes the cutter
module 230 as described in the preferred embodiment, the
double pulley 214 is comprised such that in a first direction
(as shown by the arrows in Fig. 10) displacement of pulley
216 is directly transferred to the pulley 220 without causing
the shaft 246 to rotatably respond. Displacement in the
opposite direction of the pulley 214 caused by reverse drive
of motor 210 result is pulley 214 rotating the shaft 246
while pulley 220 remains stationary. The pulley 214 and
shaft 246 arrangement can be of a conventional slip double
pulley construction.
The shaft 246 extends longitudinally to and is
rotatably mounted in a support member 248 fixably mounted to
the base 30 of the mailing machine. Fixably mounted around a
portion of the shaft 246 generally adjacent to the member 248
is a crank arm 250. The crank arm 250 includes a pin 252
slidably captured in the slot 238 of the lever arm 236 such
that upon initial one-half rotation the motor 210 in the
reverse direction, acting through the double pulley shaft 246
caused the lever arm 236 to be displaced by the crank arm pin
252 to a second position (indicated in phantom in Fig. 11).
Further actuation of tne motor 210 in the reverse direction
causes the pulley 224 to further rotate to complete the
revolution resulting in the rotary cutter blade in coaction
with the beam 244 to cut a tape 205 segment ejected the past.
It is intended that the mailing machine 11 operate such
that the transport module 12 receives a envelope from a
suitable feed mechanism (not shown). The transport system
properly positions the envelope on the weighing plate
relative to the meter module 15. The transport rollers 57
are then caused to withdraw, in the manner aforedescribed,
under the influence of the motor 63. Simultaneously, the
inking module 19 has been actuated, in the manner
aforedescribed, to apply imprinting ink to the registration
area of the postage meter module 15 and withdrawn to the
first position prior to the arrival of the envelope. Upon
the arrival of the envelope in proper position at the process
~32~2~1
17
station and withdrawal of the transport rollers 57,
scale module 13 will weigh the envelope, in a manner
described in U.S. Patent No. 4,478,018, and inform the
meter for meter setting, in a manner described in U.S.
S Patent No. 5,020,429 entitled PRINTWHEEL SETTING DEVICE
FOR A POSTAGE METER. Subsequent to weighing of the
envelope the platen module 21 is actuated, in the
manner as aforedescribed, to result in the imprinting of
an Simultaneously on the envelope. Simultaneously, with
actuation of the platen module 21 or pursuant to a
minimum time lag, the transport module 12 can be
reactivated or further activated to return the rollers
57 to their first position. Upon obtainment of the
first position of the rollers 57, the envelope is
discharged from the mailing machine. Simultaneously
with commencement of discharge of the process station
envelope from the process station, a new envelope may be
received by the transport module 12.
In the preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the tape module 17 can be position, in the
manner aforedescribed, for imprint of a indicia on one
of the tapes 203 or 205 carried by the tape module 17.
It is noted the vertical elevation of the tape track 181
is below the vertical position of the ink pad well 139
such that the tape track 181 does not interfere with the
operation of the inking module 17.
Should it be desired to imprint an indicia on the
tape 205, it is the only necessary to actuate the platen
drive motor 97. Inking can then occur after each cycle
of the platen drive motor 97. Subsequent to imprinting,
the tape drive motor 163 to cause the indiced portion of
the tape 205 to be ejected and cut, in a manner as
aforedescribed, by the cutter module 203. In order to
imprint on tape 203, the described is again followed
with the exception that prior to imprinting the tape 205
.i ~;
1 ~ 2 2 ~ ~ 1
.
17a
is drawn in a reverse direction by the taped drive
motor 163 to expose the tape 203 to the meter register
area. The indiced tape portion of tape 203 being
ejected under the influence of tape drive motor 165.
B
1~2~
- 18 -
It should now be well appreciated that the invention as
afore described has been described in its preferred
embodiment and in its preferred environment and the
description should not be taken as limiting.
