Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
MODULAR MAILING MACHINE
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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 an imprinting system where the information
imprinted on the sheet-like median is charitable to a
variable parameter of the median, such as, imprinting a
postage value indicia on a envelope wherein the postage value
is correlatlve to the weight of the envelope. ~ -
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 weight. 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 steps 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
~ 25 approximately quarter (1/4) of an inch.
¦ It is known to provide mail processing equipment
comprised of a feeder $or~singularly delivering envelope in
i~ series to a transport assembly. The transport assembly
deposits 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 "weigh 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
;~ 35 integral transport assembly and attached rotatory print drum
type postage meter. The mailing machine transport assembly
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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 influence of the scale which causes the
postage meter value setting mechanism to adjust ~he 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 particular'ly 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 necessa~y 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 techniques, the rule of
diminishing returns predicts that small improvements in
system throughput by such an incorporation would be
achievable at disproportionally 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
,;-; 35 an equipment and system complexity standpoint.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an objective of an aspect of the present
invention to present a 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 assume control over the envelope
again and ejects or discharges the envelope from the
mailing machine.
Pursuant to an objective of an aspect of the
present invention, the mailing machine pxocess 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 multiple 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 multiple 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
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have fixably mounted thereto a envelope clamping
assembly which functions 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
machi.ne 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.
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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
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 is 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 ~i
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
types of tape for imprinting by the meter module.
The mailing machine further includes an inking
mechanism for depositing ink on the meter print elements.
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Other aspects of this invention are as follows:
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 including,
a weiyhing plate having a plurality slots formed in
said weighing plate and a recess,
support means for supporting said weighing plate in
vertically spaced relationship to the base of said ~ .
mailing machine;
a transport module having means for positioning
said envelope in said process station and ejecting said
envelope from said process station including,
a frame,
a plurality of rollers rotatably mounted to said
frame, ~
frame support means for supporting said frame below :
said weighing plate and selectively placing said frame
in a first po~ition such that a portion of said rollers
extend through said slots of said weighing plate or a
second position such that said rollers repositioned
generally below said weighing plate,
said frame and said frame support means be located
generally between said mailing machine base and said
weighing plate;
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 including,
a platen plate,
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elastomeric member fixable mounted to a first
surface of said platen plate,
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 positioned generally below said weightplate of
said scale module, and -
wherein said modules operate in a manner generally
functionally independent of any other module, does not
interfere with the operation of any other module and `~
said modules can perform there respective function to
said envelope while said envelope resides at said
process station.
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
wall, wherein said modules include: :
: a scale module having means for weighing an
envelope including,
~: a weighing plate having a plurality slots formed in
- said weighing plate and a recess,
support means for supporting said weighing plate in
vertically spaced relationship to the base of said
~ mailing machine;
: a transport module having means for positioning
aid envelope in said process station and ejecting said
envelope from said process station including,
a frame,
a plurality of rollers rotatably mounted to said
frame,
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frame support means for supporting said frame below
said weighing plate and selectively placing said frame
in a first position such that a portion of said rollers
extend through said slots of said weighing plate or a
second position such that said rollers repositioned
generally below said weighing plate,
said frame and said frame support means be located
generally between said mailing machine base and said
weighing plate;
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 including,
a platen plate,
elastomeric member fixable mounted to a first ::~
surface of said platen plate,
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 positioned generally below said weightplate of
~ said scale module, and an inking module includes
;~ an ink pad well, -~
and means for selectively positioning said ink pad
well in a first position below and rear of meter module
and in a second position bringing said ihk pad well in
~: contact with said printing means of said meter module; a
~/~ tape module for providing imprinting tape including
: a tape track,
support means for supporting said tape track in a
generally cantilevered manner to extend generally below
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said meter module and said ink pad well when said ink
pad well is in said second position, said support means
being located laterally to said meter module; and,
tape positioning means for selectively positioning
said support means in a first position longitudinally
below and vertically between said registration area of
said meter module and said elastomer member of said
platen module and in a second position longitudinally
below and longitudinally in spaced relationship to said
registration area of said meter module and said
elastomer member of said platen module,
tape feed means for selectively feeding said
imprinting tape to and through said tape track such that
said imprinting tape within said tape track when said
tape track is in said second position said tape is
vertically opposite said imprinting means of said meter
module
a cutter module including
~:~ a cutter support member slideably mounted to one of
said mailing machine support walls such that said cutter
-~ support member can be slideably displaced longitudinally
traversed to said end of said tape track of said tape
module;
a rotary cutter blade rotatably mounted to said
~:~ cutter support member; :
r~ means for reciprocally displacing said cutter
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support member traverse to said tape track of said tape
module; and,
; means for providing cutting surface coactive with ~ ~:
: said rotary cutter blade;
.~ ~ wherein said modules operate in a manner generally
functionally independent of any other module, does not
:~ interfere with the operation of any other module and
said modules can perform there respective function to
said envelope while said envelope resides at said
process station. :
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A mailing machine comprised of a plurality of
modules, each of said modules mounted in said mailing
machine to form a single process station, said mailing
machine having a base and a plurality of support wall,
wherein said modules comprises:
a scale module having a means for weighing an
envelope including,
a weighing plate, said weighing plate forms a
portion of said process station, and
support means for supporting said weighing plate in
vertically spaced relationship to the base of said
mailing machine; :
a transport module having means for positioning
said envelope in said process station and ejecting said
envelope from said process station including,
a frame,
positioning means for applying a friction force on
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said envelope to position said envelope on said weighing
;~ plate, said positioning means being mounted to said
:~ frame,
~: frame support means for supporting said frame such ~:
that said frame selectively places said positioning :
means in a first position causing said positioning means .
to come into friction contact with said envelope or a
second position such that said friction means is removed
from contact with said envelope, ~-
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 forming a partial said process station
~- ~ such~that pos~tioning of said envelope by said transport
means causes a portion of said envelope to be in said :~
registration area;
a platen module having,
a platen plate,
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elastomeric member fixable mounted to a first
surface of said platen plate,
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 positioned generally below said weight plate of
said scale module, and
wherein said modules operate in a manner generally
functionally independent of any other module, does not
interfere with the operation of any other module and
said modules can perform their respective function to
said envelope while said envelope resides at said
process station.
A mailing machine comprised of a plurality of
modules, each of said modules mounted in said mailing
machine to form a single process station, said mailing
machine having a base and a plurality of support walls,
wherein said mailing machine comprises:
an envelope support module having a plate for
supporting an envelope and forming a portion of said
process station;
~:~ support means for supporting said plate in
~ vertically spaced relationship to the base of said
;~ mailing machine;
`~ a transport module having means for positioning
said envelope in said process station and ejecting said
~ envelope from said process station including,
~: a frame,
~- positioning means for applying a friction force on
said envelope to position said envelope on said plate,
said positioning means being mounted to said frame,
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frame support means for supporting said frame such
that said frame selectively places said positioning
means in a first position causing said positioning means
to come into friction contact with said envelope or a
second position such that said friction means is removed
from contact with said envelope,
a meter module having a registration area and a
printing means located in said registration area for
imprinting an indicia on said envelope, said meter
module forming a partial of said process station such
that positioning of said envelope by said transport
means causes a portion of said envelope to be in said
registration area;
a platen module having,
a platen plate,
an elastomer member fixably mounted to a first
surface of said platen plate,
platen support means for supporting said platen
plate such that said elastomer 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 means of said meter module and a second
position wherein said elastomeric member is positioned
generally below said plate or said envelope support
means, and
wherein said modules operate in a manner generally
functionally independent of any other module, does not
interfere with the operation of any other module and :
said modules can perform their respective function to
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: said envelope while said envelope reside at said process
station.
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Other capabilities and advantages of the present
invention will be apparent or presented in the following
detailed description of the invention.
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.
Fig. 8 is a elevational view af 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 postage meter mailing machine, in accordance with
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
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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 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 and in accordance with the
present invention, 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 modu~e 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
15 parallel support walls 33 and 35. 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
20 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 postage meter 15, to
~ be described more fully later. In addition, the mailing
-~ machine has mounted to the wall 35 the tape feed module
i 25 17 coactive in the preferred embodiment with a tape
~ cutting mechanism 230.
;i 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.
30 4,778,018, 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
- 35 vibration for the purpose of determining the weight of
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an article. A flexibly mounted platform (inclusive of
members 37, 40, 43, 45, 47, and 49) is caused to
oscillate by an initial excitation action ~not here
shown). The frequency of the oscillation is primarily
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dependent 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
determined and a weight assigned by comparing the oscillation
obtained subsequent to residence of the envelope with the
known nominal oscillation. For the purpose of brevity, the
heredescribed portion of the scale module 13 represents that
portion of the resilient type scale described in the
incorporated application necessary to illustrate 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
'~ 25 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 s,ide of the recess 38. A second generally C-configured
~ 30 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. 2 for the
~ purpose of clarity) is fixably mounted at its ends to the
'~ respective clamps 43 and 45. Rotatably mounted by
-~, 35 conventional means to the support beam 47 is a plurality of
,~ clamping members 49 each of which is mounted such that it is
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positi,oned over a respective one of said slots 41. Each of
, the clamping members 49 includes a mounting arm Sl rotatably
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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
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 applications herein incorporated,
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. l, 2, 3, and 4, the
preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a
sealing module, generally indicated as 42. The sealing
module 30 is comprised of a generally L-shaped support member
44. The support member 44 is fixably 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
, . .
I members 46 are aligned longitudinally in a generally
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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. $he transfer link
54 in parts 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
;~ 35 sealing members 46 to rotate to a spaced apart relationship
to the weighing plate 37 during the weighing process.
~` Referring to Figs. 2, 3, and 4, the transport module 12
~ is comprised of a plurality of first guide rollers 57 are
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rotatably mounted to a frame 58 (best shown 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 member 74 is fixably mounted at one end to the base
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 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 respective 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
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conventional manner such that when the frame 58 is in the
second position, the take-up maintains the belt 69 in a taut
condition.
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 to Fig. 6, as afore noted, the postage meter 15
is mounted between the support walls 33 and 35. The postage --
meter includes a forwardly located registration area
generally indica~ed 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 to 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
~; 20 vertical alignment to allow a platen guide rod 87 to
vertically slide along a defined vertica 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 9? i$ 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 envelope
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in the meter register projection area and, in so doing, cause
an indicia to be imprinted on the envelope.
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.
~ixably mounted along the first link 121 is a second link 123
and a third link 12S 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 A
- 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 thèrefore 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 85 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
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tilted upwardly elevating the ink pad well 139 into engaging
contact with the register area 85 of meter 15.
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 thereto, 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 supported by and longitudinally between
the side walls' channel (ref. to Fig. 7a). Rotatably mounted
in the tape guide housing 175 is a first and second tape
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drive roller 185 and 187, respectively. Rotatably mounted in
the housing 175 opposite the first drive roller 185 is a
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~ first idler roller 187 and, in like manner, a second idler
-~ roller 191 is rotatably mounted opposite the second tape
drive roller 187. A flexible shaft 193 communicates the
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first motor 163 to the first tape drive roller 185 and, in
like manner, a second flexible shaft l9S communicates the
second tape drive motor 165 with the second tape drive roller -
187.
The housing 175 further includes a flang~d 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 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 Fig. 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 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 tape 203 to be of
the phantom type. As indicated in phantom in Fig. 9, the
tape can be optionally threaded directly between rollers 187
and 131 of the track 181.~
Réferring 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 80 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
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plate 89 travel. The position of the track 150 dependent
upon the location of the second bracket 157.
In order to motivate the second bracket 157 and, in
turn position the track 181 in the first (as shown 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 dxiven
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
~ 20 212 in the direction shown in Fig. 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
; 25 to the second position. Further actuation of the motor 210
i~ causes the pulley 224 to further rotate to complete the ~;
revolution resulting in the tape module returning to the ;
first position.
Referring jto Fig.~ the mailing machine of the
present invention may further include a tape cutter module
230. The tape cutter module 230 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
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cutter beam 244 is mounted to the wall 33 to cooperative act
with the rotary blade 242.
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 in pulley 214 rotating the shaft 246
while pulley 220 remains stationary. The pulley 214 and
shaft 245 arrangement can be of a conventional slip double
pulley construction.
The shaft 246 extends longitudinally to and is
rotatable 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
causing 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 the 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.
In the preferred embodiment, 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
~- 35 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
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16
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 station and withdrawal of
the transport rollers 57, scale module 13 will weight
the envelope, in a manner described in U.S. Patent No.
4,778,018, and inform the meter for meter setting, in a
manner described in U.S. Patent No. 4,953,996.
Subsequent to weighing of the envelope, the platen
module 21 is actuated, in the manner as aforedescribed,
to result in the imprinting of an indicia 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.
Further in the preferred embodiment, the optional
capability is provided for imprint an indicia on a one ;
of a plurality of tape median. The tape module 17 can
be positioned, 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
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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
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- 17 -
imprinting the tape 205 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.
It should now be well appreciated that the invention as
aforedescribed in its preferred embodiment allow the overlap
of function which results in substantial time saving.
Further, by performing all functions at one location,
substantial additional time savings are realized.
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