AU615005B2 - Platen module for a modular mailing machine - Google Patents

Description

I d i 11_ 11--111-1_- PATENTS ACT 1952 Form COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

(ORIGINAL)

FOR OFFICE USE Short Title: Int. CI: Application Number: Lodged: 0 0 0 0 0 0 D 060 0 oo Complete Specification-Lodged: 0 Accepted: 0o Lapsed: a° Published: 0 0 o o Po Priority: 0 I Related Art: S000 o 1 0 0 a a 0 004A Address of Applicant: Address of Applicant: TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT PITNEY BOWES INC., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, of World Headquarters, One Elmcroft, Stamford, Connecticut, United States of America.

Actual Inventor: Address for Service: DONALD T. DOLAN DAVID W. HUBBARD HUGH S. DANNATT ROBERT T. DURST, JR.

MORTON SILVERBERG JOVITO N. ABELLANNA Care of: COWIE, CARTER HENDY, Patent Attorneys, 71 Queens Road, Melbourne, Vic., 3004, Australia.

Complete Specification for the invention entitled: PLATEN MODULE FOR A MODULAR MAILING MACHINE i I~ 1 i i i i i The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to -1 SNote: The description is to be typed in double spacing, pica type face, in an area not exceeding 250 mm in depth and 160 mm in width, on tough white paper of good quality and it is to be inserted inside this form.

14599/78- L Printed by C. J. THOMPSON, Commonwealth Government Printer, Canberra _i i ui r- ~Y_ The said corporation is the asig nee of inv ntion 0 said actual inventors. Connecticu U DECLARED AT Stamford, this 12 da of October, 19 88. ign re o nt 2 PLATEN MODULE FOR A MODULAR MAILING MACHINE BACKGROUND OF THEII INVENTION This invention relates to imprinting systems, such as, postage meter mailing machines, which systems are used to imprint information on a sheet-like medium and, more particularly, to a postage meter mailing machine utilizing flat bed printing techniques and employing a platen assembly.

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 for the system operator to perform 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 quality indicia envelopes ranging in thickness from that of a postcard to approximately a quarter (1/4) o to packages too large to be accepted by the mail processing equipment.

2*It is known to provide mail processing equipment comprised of a feeder for singularly delivering envelopes in series to a transport assembly. The transport 0 0o 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 "weight on the pause", the transport assembly again assumes control over the envelope and .215. 6 delivers the envelope to the mailing machine. 4 o" The mailing machine is most commonly comprised of an integral transport Sassembly and attached rotatory print drum type postage meter. The mailing machine 6 6 transport assembly assumes speed control of the envelope performing any necessary speed adjustments in order to match the envelope's traversing speed with the imprinting speed of the postage meter print drum to promote a quality indicia print.

It is known for the postage meter to include a value setting mechanism interacting with the scale so that the postage meter value setting mechanism adjusts the postage meter printing mechanism for printing the appropriate postage rate on the approaching In$N t'he mg f bet dlvrt mi rcssn qimetabtc f"iedmi"Uha s h ',bthi omrsdo arenme feneoe fvryn iesosp0iual 10 tickessandweiht.The bilty f amai prcesing ystm t prces a arg 3 envelope according to the envelope weight as determined by the scale.

The mail processing system depicted above has as its primary objectives 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 envelopes 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 needed to obtain an accurate weight from the scale.

While such factors as transport time and weighing time can conceivably 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 disproportional increases in system cost.

In the aforedescribed system, postage meters seldom employ flat bed printing techniques. Such postage meters require the envelope to be stationary in the postage meter in order to imprint the postage indicia. As a result, postage meters utilizing flat 0 00 0.00.0bed printing techniques in such mail processing equipment would conventionally introduce another interruption in the mail processing system. Hence the preference for postage meters which employ rotary printing techniques.

0 20 One possible alternative means of increasing the throughput of such mail 0000 processing systems is to provide multiple scales and a suitable transport system such 0 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 in system throughput. However, such an alternative represents added cost from both an 0 equipment and system complexity standpoint.

SUMARY~A OF THE INVENTION 00 0It is an objective of the present invention to present a platen module for a 0. 0 o i"'mailing machine such that the mailing machine is suitable for employing a postage meter utilizing flat bed printing techniques.

According to the invention there is provided a mailing machine having a base supporting a scale having a weighing plate, said weighing plate having a peripheral recess, and said mailing machine having means for detachably mounting a postage meter having a printing surface such that said postage meter print surface is in spaced -Y T k

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11 apart alignment to said recess, wherein 'the mailing machine includes: a platen module including: a platen plate sized to travel through said recess; a platen plate support means for displaceably supporting said platen plate in a first position and in an elevated second position, such that said platen plate traverses said recess to said second position in close proximity to said print surface of said postage meter; and, a drive motor means for displacing said platen plate support means from said first position to said second position and returning said displacement means to said first position.

The mailing machine has increased throughput, in part, resultant from providing the mailing machine with a single process station whereat an envelope can be weighed and 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 envelope again and ejects or discharges the envelope from the mailing machine.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a mailing machine having a base supporting a scale having a weighing plate, said weighing plate 0 having a peripheral recess, and said mailing machine detachably supporting a postage S meter having a printing surface such that said postage meter print surface is in spaced apart alignment to said recess, wherein the mailing machine includes: i oa platen module including: 25* a platen plate sized to travel through said recess; a platen plate support means for supporting said platen plate in a first position S and in an elevated second position, said platen plate support means having, 0 0 a rack post mounted at one end to an under side of said platen plate; guide means for guiding and confining the displacement of said platen 30' plate to a defined path such that in said elevated second position said platen plate is positioned in close proximity to said print surface of said postage meter through said recess; and, a drive motor means mounted in said mailing machine for driving said o** r r o or~ o c.

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displacement means from said first position to said second position and returning said displacement means to said first position.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention the platen module including a plurality of gears mounted on the respective ends of said output shaft, a guide rod slidably mounted vertically to said support wall, the platen plate being mounted at one end on said guide rod, and a plurality of rack posts mounted at one end on said platen plate and in constant mesh with a respective one of said gears.

In other preferred embodiments of the invention the platen module is mounted on the base of the mailing machine just below the register area of a postage meter employing flat bed printing techniques. The platen module includes a support wall mounted to the mailing machine base. A plurality of C-brackets and guide pins mounted on one face of the support wall define a vertical path. A platen guide rod is captured by the C-brackets and guide pins. A platen plate is mounted on the platen guide rod. Mounted on the platen plate in laterally spaced relationship is a first and second rack post. Mounted atop the platen plate is an elastomeric material having a generally rectangular shape of uniform thickness.

A drive motor is mounted on and between parallel support brackets such that the rack posts are outboard of the respective brackets. The drive motor includes a drive shaft. The drive shaft has a gear mounted on its ends in constant mesh with a o respective rack post. Actuation of the drive motor 97 can cause the rack post to elevate the platen plate to bring the elastomeric member into engagement with a properly positioned envelope in the meter register projection area and, in so doing, cause an indicia to be imprinted on the envelope.

2 The mailing machine process station may therefore comprise an integral scaleadapted to accommodate the transport assembly, an envelope sealing assembly S complementary to the transport assembly, the vertically displaceable flat printing a a, platen and a postage meter support assembly for supporting a suitably attached postage meter. By employing a multiple function processing station the mailing machine it I t i Qi 0. a c, i 6 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. Particularly, since the envelope is placed in a stationary position for weighing by suitable accommodation in the process station, it is now preferable to utilize flat bed printing techniques facilitated by the platen module and a suitable meter module.

Preferably the scale is isolation mounted on 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 of support members having a generally C-configuration.

The support members have mounted thereon an 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 comprises a plurality of rollers independently supported by the mailing machine base in a manner which permits some of 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 4 4* l o with the clamping assembly. Each roller is aligned to journey partly through a respective slot in the up position. A bi-directional drive motor arsembly is in O 4 4 o 0 acommunication with each roller via an endless belt. The drive motor assembly includes a one-way clutch, interactive with the transport assembly, such that motor :0 actuation in a first direction results in the endless belt imparting a driving force to 0 0 0 0 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 positioned in a first position, being biased downwardly, 0 and a second position, being placed in an upwardly retracted position. In the first 00 0 0° position, a plurality of the sealing members are biased to some other ones of the transport rollers.

30 The tape module includes a support means for supporting a tape track in a ,00044 S4 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

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7 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 types of tape for imprinting by the meter module.

The mailing machine can further include an inking mechanism for depositing ink on the meter print elements and a tape dispensing mechanism.

Other capabilities and advantages of the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be apparent 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 a 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.

0: 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 0 invention.

213 Fig. 7 is a perspective view of an inking module in accordance with the present °invention.

:0 0 o Fig. 8 is an elevational view of a tape module in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a partial perspective view of the tape module.

1 Fig. 10 is a side elevational view of the tape module.

S t ,Fig. 11 is a side elevational view of a cutting module in accordance with the present invention.

I0 0 Fig. 12 is a side elevational view of the mailing machine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The postage meter mailing machine particularly suited for employment of the present invention employs a modular architecture. That is, the mailing macfiine is comprised of subsystems which are not interdependent. Therefore, the mailing machine can be configured to include only those subsystems modules necessary to 0f i a. 4W 1' ,t4~ i:: I 4 a P 0 0 0 A 4 4 .0 o 0 oo 0 0b tO 0° oV o6 00o 00 0 0 00 4 0 *d 0

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r 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 used environment is restricted to processing uniform mail, the scale module, subsequently described, may be omitted in substantial portion frcm the mailing machine without affecting the system performance of the remaining modules or the system controller.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, a mailing machine, generally indicated as 11, employs a subsystems modular architecture comprising a scale module 13, a transport module 12, a postage meter module 15, a tape feed module 17, an 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 laterally spaced relationship. Mounted on the base plate 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 on 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 on the wall 35 the tape feed module 17 of the present invention coactive in a 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. 4,778,018, entitled APPARATUS AND METHOD OF DETERMINING THE MASS OF AN ARTICLE BY MEASURING THE SHIFT IN THE PERIOD OF HARMONIC MOTION, herein incorporated by reference. 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 caused to oscillate by an initial excitation action (not here shown). The frequency of the oscillation is primarily 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 when the envelope is residing on the platform with the known nominal oscillation. For the purpose of brevity, the

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3 i ji ,i 1 0 9 heredescribed portion of the scale module 13 represents that portion of the resilient type scale 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 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 posts 36. Each support post 36 includes a flex member 34. Each flex member 34 is mounted on the counter plate 42 in such a way as to provide isolation mounting of the scale module 13 from the base 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 claim 43 is 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 mounted to the d0 a 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 mounted at its ends to the respective clams 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 °00 0 the clamping members 49 includes a mounting arm 51 rotatably mounted to the 00 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 mounted thereto a generally .2 arched flange member 53 laterally sized to prevent the flange member 53 from 0 venturing into a respective slot 41.

oi It should be appreciated that to the extent that the weighing function is not 0 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 mounted directly on the mailing machine base 30 and including the clamps 43 and 45, support I beam 47 and clamp members 49. The members 43, 45, 47 and 49, in the preferred T 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, a 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 mounted at one end on 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. T.he, sealing members 46 are aligned longitudinally in a generally staggered relationship and include tab 56. A solenoid is mounted on 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 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 shown in Figs. 3 and 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 mounted at one end on the base 30 such that they do not interfere with the counter plate 42 of the scale module. The other end of the support members 74 are received in respective seats 70 of the frame 58. Each support member 74 includes a seat 76 having a guide 0 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 respectivefrm seat 72.

00 Also rotatably mounted to the frame 58 is a plurality of rollers 61 positioned vertically downwardly from and between adjacent guide rollers 57. Mounted to the base 30 of the mailing machine by any conventional means, so as not to interfere with the operation of the scale module 13 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,J 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

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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 continued 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.

It is now apparent that whe-n the rollers 57 are, withdrawn from the slots 41, the claims 47 bias an envelope on the weighing plate thereagainst which facilitates the 4 weighing process. When the rollers 57 are journeyed partially into the slots 41, the clamps 47 assist the transport function.

6 Referring to Figs. 1, 2, 4, and 12 and more particularly Fig. 6, as afore noted, the postage meter 15 is mounted between the support walls 33 and 35. The postage oo ~2Qmeter includes a forwardly located registration area, generally indicated as 82.

o 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 mounted on the base 30. A plurality of C-brackets 83 and guide pins 85 are mounted on 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 0000 0is laterally captured by the C-brackets 83 and guide pins 85 and has mounted on its top a platen plate 89. Also mounted on the platen plate in laterally spaced relationship is a first and second rack post 91 and 93, respectively. Mounted atop the platen plate 89 is an 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.

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I rras~oc~ix i-itar-~ iiac4lr*r~i~i-e=r;r~l+ Tr -l -~iric;-urr 12 At each end of the drive shaft 101 is mounted a gear 103 aligned to in be constant mesh with a respective rack post 91 and 93. It should be 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 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 mounting plate 111 is mounted vertically on the base plate 30. A drive motor 113 is mounted on the mounting plate 1I1 such that the output shaft 115 extends through the plate 111.

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 first link 121 is mounted on the second gear 119 at one end. 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 the third and second links 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. Mounted inboard to each of the support a walls 33 and 35 is a first guide pin 135 and a second guide pin 137.

S02 Each of the transfer links 129 and 130 extend below a guide pin 135 and above S 06 a guide pin 137 such that the guide pins 135 and 137 act to guide the longitudinally displaceable path of the transfer links 129 and 130. The guide pins 135 and 137 also provide vertical support. Mounted on the forward end of each of the transfer links is 0 an ink pad well 139 in which an ink pad resides (shown). At the other end of each of the transfer links 129 and 130 is formed a tilting surface 141. It can therefore be o~0 00 0' appreciated that upon actuation of the motor 113 the linkage assembly is driven i forwardly. The pins 135 are positioned such that when the ink pad tray 139 is 0 positioned just below the register area 85 of the meter 15 the tilt surface 141 is 0 brought into forced engagement with the pin 135 causing the transfer links 130 and 0j 129 to be tilted upwardly elevating the ink pad well 139 into engaging contact with the register area 85 of meter 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 v ,H fVr A.n

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-!i 13 The tape module consists of a rail 151 which is slidably mounted longitudinally on the track 150 to define the longitudinal displacement path of the tape module 17.

A bracket 155 is mounted on the rail 153. A second bracket 157 having a generally vertically extended slot 159 is mounted on the bracket 155. The bracket 155 includes a back wall 161 which has mounted thereon 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.

Mounted in a cantilever fashion on 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 S° °15 shape feed member 183 extending partially into the tape guide housing 175. The tape 0 track 181 and the feed member 183 are mounted on 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 having a strip member 178 supported by and longitudinally between the side walls' channel (ref. to Fig. 7a).

2(tRotatably mounted in the tape guide housing 175 is a first and second tape drive roller S0 185 and 187. Rotatably mounted in the housing 175 opposite the first drive roller 185 is a first idler roller 187. A second idler roller 191 is similarly rotatably mounted 0 opposite the second tape drive roller 187. A flexible shaft 193 connects the first motor 163 to the first tape drive roller 185 and, in like manner, a second flexible shaft 195 connects the second tape drive motor 165 with the second tape drive roller 187.

The housing 175 further includes a flanged portion 197 having mounted thereon a plurality of first guide pins 198 and a plurality of second guide pins 199.

A dual tape support assembly 200 is mounted on the base 30 and rotatably supports a first and a second roll of tape 203 and 205. The first roll of tape 203 is threaded such that 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 ,i~ PT0 ii i:: 14 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 tape 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 of the track 181.

Referring more particularly to Figs. 10 and 12, the tape module 17 is slidable along a track 150 formed in wall 35 pursuant to movement of second bracket 157.

It is noted that the tape module 17 is so positioned relative to the registration area of the postage meter 15 and the platen module 21 such that the track 181 is located a 0 11 *t5 in a first position between the postage meter registration area 80 and the platen 0 module 21. In a second position the track 181 is repositioned below the postage meter 15 clear of the path of the platen plate 89. The position of the track 150 dependent t 4 0 upon the location of the second bracket 157.

0 In order to move the second bracket 157 and, in turn position the track 181 in .000 0 the first (as indicated in phantom in Fig. 12) or second position, a motor 210 is 0 mounted to the mailing machine base 30. Mounted around the output shaft of the motor 210 is a pulley 212. Rotatably mounted to the wall 35 is a double pulley o assembly 214 which includes a first pulley 216 and second pulley 220. The first a pulley 216 is in driven communication with the motor 210 through an endless belt 218 extending between the pulleys 212 and 216. A crank assembly 222 is rotatably 04 8 'o 0mounted 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 .0 assembly 214 also includes a crank arm 228 having a slide pin 230 residing in the slot °0 °159 of the bracket 157 of the tape module 17.

3) Movement 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 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 'K$NT cc E.~IxT OALI/.N 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 is comprised of dual track 232 mounted outboard of the wall 33. A member 234 is slidably mounted on track 232. A lever arm 236 having a vertically directed slot 238 is mounted on 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 on the end of the lever portion 240. A cutter beam 244 is mounted on the wall 32 cooperate with the rotary blade 242.

Actuation of the cutter module 230 is provided by the motor 210. The double pulley 214 is mounted centrally around a shaft 246 rotatably mounted to the wall by any conventional means. The shaft 246 extends longitudinally to and is rotatably O mounted in a support member 248 mounted on the base 30 of the mailing machine.

Mounted around a portion of the shaft 246 generally adjacent to the member 248 is 0 o a crank arm 250. The crank arm 250 includes a pin 252 slidably captured in the slot o 238 of the lever armnn 236 such that upon an initial one-half rotation the motor 210, oo 20 acting through the double pulley shaft 246 causes the lever arm 236 to be displaced o by the crank arm pin 252 to a second position (indicated in phantom in Fig. 11).

Further actuation of the motor 210 causes the pulley 224 to further rotate to complete the revolution resulting in the rotary cutter blade coacting with the beam 244 to cut o a tape 205 segment ejecting past.

It is intended that the mailing machine 11 operate such that the transport o 0o module 12 receives an envelope from a suitable feed mechanism (not shown). The transport system properly positions the envelope on the weighing plate relative to the 0 meter module 15. The transport rollers 57 are then caused to withdraw, in the manner 06.6b i 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 station and withdrawal of the transport rollers 57, scale -4 i 16 module 13 will weigh 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. 4,953,966 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 indicia on the envelope. Simultaneous 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 the rollers 57 reaching the first position the envelope is discharged from the mailing machine. Simultaneous with commencement of the discharge of 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 positioned, in the manner aforedescribed, for imprint of an indicia on one of the tapes 203 or 205 carried by the tape module 17. It should be noted that the vertical °1,5 elevation of the tape track 181 is below the vertical position of the ink pad well 139 a o1 Ssuch that the tape track 181 does not interfere with the operation of the inking module *04 0 17.

°Should it be desired to imprint an indicia on the tape 205, it is only necessary ^°oi to actuate the platen drive motor 97. Inking can then occur after each cycle of the 2 Q platen drive motor 97. Subsequent to imprinting, the tape drive motor 163 causes the indicia 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 is drawn in a reverse direction by the taped drive motor 163 to expose the tape 203 to the meter register 5 area. The indicia portion of the tape 203 being ejected under the influence of tape 0 drive motor 165.

'It should now be well appreciated that the invention as aforedescribed has been described in its preferred embodiments and in its preferred environment and the description should not be taken as limiting.

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Claims (8)

1. A mailing machine having a base supporting a scale having a weighing platei means for detachably mounting a postage meter having a printing surface such that The claims defining the invention are as follows:alignment to said recess, wherein said weighing plate having a peripheral recess, and said mailing machine having means for detachably mounting a postage meter having a printing surface such that said postage meter print surface is in spaced apart alignment to said recess, wherein the mailing machine includes: a platen module including: a platen plate sized to travel through said recess; a platen plate support means for displaceably supporting said platen plate in a first position and in an elevated second position, such that said platen plate traverses said recess to said second position in close proximity to said print surface of said postage meter; and, a drive motor means for displacing said platen plate support means from said first position to said second position and returning said displacement means to said first position.

2. A mailing machine having a base supporting a scale having a weighing plate, said weighing plate having a peripheral recess, and said mailing machine detachably surface is in spaced apart alignment to said recess, wherein the mailing machine :20 includes: a platen module including: a platen plate sized to travel through said recess; .a platen plate support means for supporting said platen plate in a first position and in an elevated second position, said platen plate support means having, a rack post mounted at one end to an under side of said platen plate; S guide means for guiding and confining the displacement of said platen plate to a defined path such that in said elevated second position said platen o. 0, plate is positioned in close proximity to said print surface of said postage meter through said recess; and, a drive motor means mounted in said mailing machine for driving said displacement means from said first position to said second position and returning said displacement means to said first position.

3. A mailing machine having a base supporting a scale having a weighing plate, -1 tr O vx' ^y 1 18 said weighing plate having a peripheral recess, and said mailing machine detachably supporting a postage meter having a printing surface such that postage meter print surface is in spaced apart alignment to said recess, wherein the mailing machine includes: a platen module including: a platen plate sized to travel through said recess; an elastomeric member mounted to a first surface of said platen plate; and, a platen plate support means for supporting said platen plate in a first position and in an elevated second position, said platen plate support means having, a support wall mounted to the base of said mailing machine; a rack post mounted at one end on the underside of said platen plate; means for guiding and confining the displacement of said platen plate to a defined path such that in said elevated second position said platen plate position said elastomeric member is in close proximity to said print surface of said postage meter; and, a drive motor having an output shaft mounted to the base of said mailing machine having a gear mounted to said output shaft of said motor and in constant mesh with said rack post.

4. A mailing machine as defined in claim 3 wherein the platen module includes o a plurality of gears mounted on the respective ends of said output shaft, a guide rod slidably mounted vertically to said support wall, the platen plate being mounted at one end on said guide rod, and a plurality of rack posts mounted at one end on said platen plate and in constant mesh with a respective one of said gears.

5. 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 include: a scale module having means for weighing an envelope including, a weighing plate having a plurality of 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, 4' t 0~ u UjIIL' OIU~l Laa'IaL L' V L tJI.AA. La'. t'J4.fp'''-L J position such that the tape track is located longitudinally below and vertically between ia~J a frame, a plurality of rollers rotatably mounted on sald frame, frame support means for supporting said frame below sald weighing plate and selectively placing sald 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 can be repositioned generally below said weighing plate, said frame and said frame support means being 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 sized to travel through said recess; a platen plate support means for supporing said platen plate in a first position and in an elevated second position, said platen plate support means having, a rack post mounted at one end to an under side of said platen plate; guide means for guiding and confining the displacement of said platen plate to a defined path such that in said elevated second position said platen plate is positioned in close proximity to said print surface of said postage meter through said recess; and, a drive motor means mounted in said mailing machine for driving said a.,44displacement means from said first position to said second position and returning said displacement means to said first position. wherein said modules operate in a manner generally functionally independent of any other module and can perform their respective functions on said envelope while sald envelope resides at sald process station.

6. 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 include: a scale module having means for weighing an envelope including, a weighing plate having a plurality of slots formed in sald weighing plate and a recess, KNT U ,.uIui1iIabU VI OUUtYOu L 11 WIIAuI iUC IIUL IIILUI pUU*rI*UIILL*. 1II-IQJLUIQ, LIk ii.^ailni i machine can be configured to include only those subsystems modules necessary to t 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 on said frame, 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 reposition generally below said weighing plate, said frame and said frame support means being 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 sized to travel through said recess; :an elastomeric member mounted to a first surface of said platen plate; and, a platen plate support means for supporting said platen plate in a first position and in an elevated second position, said platen plate support means having, a support wall mounted to the base of said mailing machine; a rack post mounted at one end on the underside of said platen plate; °i means for guiding and confining the displacement of said platen plate to a defined path such that in said elevated second position said platen plate position said elastomeric member is in close proximity to said print surface of f said postage meter; and, a drive motor having an output shaft mounted to the base of said mailing machine having a gear mounted to said output shaft of said motor and in constant mesh with said rack post. wherein said modules operate in a manner generally functionally independent of any other module and can perform their respective functions on said envelope while said envelope resides at said process station.

7. A platen module substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the i V T ILi on the platform with the known nominal oscillation. For the purpose of brevity, the 4 K k' \C-NT -I 1 b 6i,~ ig E~~ i i. n ~r rWPI;-rlll I~ lr accompanying drawings.

8. A mailing machine substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. DATED this 4th day of July, 1991. PITNEY BOWES INC. .11-i