CA1102391A

CA1102391A - Micro computerized miniature postage meter

Info

Publication number: CA1102391A
Application number: CA269,572A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Leon J. Schwartz
Original assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc
Current assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc
Priority date: 1976-01-14
Filing date: 1977-01-12
Publication date: 1981-06-02
Also published as: GB1566342A; JPH0373025B2; JPH0130188B2; JPH0221036B2; JPS52116299A; GB1566341A; DE2701072A1; JPS63691A; DE2701072C2; JPS63692A

Abstract

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A micro computerized, miniature postage meter comprises an ink jet printing device adapted to project ink droplets onto a document. A micro computer, which performs the control and data processing functions of the meter, include a logic circuit programmed to actuate the ink jet printing device to project ink droplets on the document in a postage indicia forming pattern.
In the preferred form of the postage meter, the ink jet printing device is mounted to be moved in close operative proximity relative to the document and the logic circuit is programmed to sequentially actuate the printing device during this relative movement. The rate of movement of the printing device relative to the document is observed by an optical monitor, mounted with the printing device. The micro computer also includes a clock circuit, connected to the optical monitor that computes the instantaneous rate of relative movement of the printing device and document and then generated a feedback signal to the logic circuit to coordinate the instantaneous rate of actuation of the printing device to the computer instantaneous rate of relative printing device-document movement. A postage memory registor stores a purchased amount of postage and is addressable by the logic circuit to reduce the stored amount of postage by the amount printed during each meter use. A disabling look-out circuit disables the meter when postage stored in the memory register is depleted to a predetermined minimum amount.

Description

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BACKGROI~N~ OF THE INVENTION
.
Field of the Invention ~_ .
The present invention relates to a micro computerized, ~inia-ture postage meter which may be held in and operated hy hand, which is completely portable, and which may be stored in any one of a number of small spaces such as a pocket, purse,-or briefcase.
Postage meters are now widely used by commerical and industrial businesses to selectiv~ly print postage indicia on documents such as envelopes, labels, and the like. Managers of these businesses, which frequently generate medium to large volumes of mail, have found that meters are capable of handling postage far more rapidly, economically, and convéniently~ than manual operators who individually moisten and position previously printed postage ~.tamp$ on mailing documents. ~urthermore, printed postage .is attractive as well as impressive to the recipient of the mail on which it appears.
However, individuals who use postal services relatively infrequently compared to business enterprises have been unable to avail themselves of the advantages of postage me~exs for a : number of reasons. Primarily, use of presently known meters is : only economically feasible when relatively large volumes of postage are printed. Further, since these meters are ordinarily ~ .
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large and cumbersome, they are usually mounted for operation at a fixed location. Therefore, they are inconvenient ~or use by a person who is accustomed to carrying postage, in the form of previously printed stamps, within him.
Description of the Prior Art Postage meters which are now generally available are specifically designed for institutional use by entities having need for large volumes of postage. Thus, as noted~ these meters are usually large and are mounted at a fixed location. Typically, they employ a complex mechanical printing device comprised of either a rotatably mounted printing die plate, operated to rotate in synchronism with linearly moving documents, or a fixed printing die plate against which documents are mechanically pressed, to imprint the documents with the desired postage indicia.
A postage meter construction has been proposed in U.S.
Patent No. 3,869,986 (~ubbard), assigned to the assignee of the present invention, which employs a rotatably mounted die plate to print fixed postage information, such as the postage meter registration number, and an ink jet printing device to print variable postage information such as the date and postage amount.
Still more sophisticated postage meters1 which nevertheless include mechanical postage printing apparatus, but which employ a micro computer set to perform control and data processing ~: .

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functions, are disclosed in applicant's U.S. Patents Nos.
3,978,~57 and 4,097~923, issued ~ugust 31, 1976 and June 20, 1978, respectively. However, none of these postage meters may be conveniently used by an individual who generates relatively low volumes of mail yet who requires immediate access to postage regardless of the time or place.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a microcomputerized, miniature postage meter for printing postage indicia on a document such as an envelope, label, or the like~ the postage meter comprising: printing means including an ink jet printing device adapted to project ink droplets onto the document in a postage indicia forming pattern;
and microcomputer means operatlvely connected to the printing means~ and programmed to actuate the ink je~
printing device to project ink droplets onto the document in the postage indicia forming pattern; wherein the microcomputer means comprises: microprocessor logic means programmed to actuate the ink je-t printing device; and a postage memory register, for storing a purchased amount of postage, addressable by the logic means to reduce the amount of postage stored therein by the amount printéd during each meter use.
In its method aspect, the invention relates to a method of distributing and dispensing postage comprising the steps of: entering a predetermined amount of postage in a microcomputer memory register in a hand-held postage meter at a central computer postage distribution statlon;

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distrlbuting the postage meter with the predetermined amount of postage entered therein to be dispensed;
dispensing postage as needed from the memory register by moving the postage meter over documents to be printed wi~h postage unti]. the amount of postage entered therein is depleted to a predetermined minimum amount preset in the memory register and until the postage meter is ; disabled to prevent further dispensing of postage when the postage entered in the memory register is depleted to the minimum amount preset therein; electrically connecting the memory register to a central postage distribution station; and again entering a predetermined amount of postage in the memory register for redistribution of the postage meter.
In its preferred embodiments, the microcomputerized, miniature postage meter of the present invention is designed to be held in and operated by hand and may be approximately the same size as a disposable butane-type cigarette lighter. This postage meter may be stored in an extremely small space such as a pocket, handbag, or brief-case and is, consequently, completely portable. ThereEore, .:
: i-t may be transported and used as convenient].y as previously printed postage stamps.

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The compactness of the microcomputerized, miniature postage meter oE the present invention and, hence, its extremely convenient operation are achieved by eliminating the ordinarily cumbersome document handling apparatus and printing apparatus which prior meters include. Instead of mechanically transporting or positioning a document relative to postage printing apparatus as do p~esently known meters9 this miniature postage meter performs no mb/~ b 3~L
document handling function. Compactness is further achieved by use of a micro computer which performs the control and data processing functions of the meter.
~ n its preferred embodiraents, the micro computerized, miniature postage meter comprises printing apparatus in the form of an ink jet printing device which is mounted to be moved in close proximity relative to a document and is adapted to project ink drople-ts onto the document when so moved. An optical monitor, mountedwith the printing device, observes the rate of relative document-printing device movement. The micro computer includes a logic circuit programmed to sequentially actuate the ink jet printing device to pxoject ink droplets onto the document in a pattern that forms the desired postage indicia. The micro computer further includes a clock circuit, connected-to the optical monitor, which computes the instantaneous rate of relative movement of the printing device and document from the observed rate. A feedback signal is then generated from the clock circuit to the logic circuit to coordinate the instantaneous rate of actuation of the printing device with the computed instantaneous rate of relative document-printing device movement in order to propexly form the postage indicia without distortion.
Purchased postage is stored in a postage memory register, also incorporated in the micro computer, which is addressable by the logic circuit to reduce the stored postage amount by the amount of postage printed during each meter use. A lock-out circuit, connected to the memory register, disables the postage meter when the s'cored postage is depleted to a predetermined minimum amount. Accordingly, the meter becomes inoperable when the postage stored in it has been essentially exhausted.

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In other embodiments, the postage meter of the invention may be incorporated with a hand-held, mathematical calculator and may include a display for indicating, in simple fashion, when a predetermined minimum amount of postage remains in the memory registor or, in more complex fashion, the exact amoun-t of postage which remains in the memory register.
The micro computerized, miniature postage meter of the present invention may be used in conjunction with a novel method of distributing and dispensing postage. The meter is constructed so that it may be conveniently connected to a central postage distribution station. That is, the postage memory register of the micro computer may be directly connected through an easily accessible jack to a pos-taye dispensing computer so that an amount of purchased postage may be entered in the meter.
The meter may then be distributed by mail or at rental centers to individuals for their use. When the postage stored in the memory register is exhausted, the meter is returned to the central postagè distribution station for entry of additïonal purchased postage. Alternatively, the meter may be purchased by its user, and brought to the central station when postage entry or re-entry is needed.
In addition to the advantages of miniature postage meter use accruing to the ultimate user, the United States Government should save substantial amounts in printing costs since the use of stamps may be descreased~
Accordinyly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a micro computerized, miniature postage meter which may be used by individuals as conveniently as previously printed postage stamps are now used. Further, this invention con-templates a method of distributing and dispensing postage that employs the bm:-~' :

miniature postage meter to decrease the need for previously printed postage and, herlce, governmental printing costs and further to enh~nce the individual consumer's ease of using postage.
Other objects, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be pointed out in, or will be understood from, the following detailed description provided below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DR~WINGS
FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the computerized, miniature postage meter of the present inven-tion positioned relative to a document, in the form of an envelope, immediately after printing postage indicia thereon FIGURE 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken~
through plane 2-2 in FIGURE 1 illustrating the internal components of this miniature postage meter.
FIGURE 3 is a second vertical cross-sectional view taken through plane 3-3 in FIGURE 1 at a right angle to plane

2-2 also illustrating internal components of the meter~
-20 particularly the ink jet printing device, in detail. - -~
FIGURE 4 is a bottom plan view of the postage meter showing the array of outlets from the ink jet printing device.
FIGURB 5 is a top plan view of this postage meter FIGURE 6 is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken through plane 6-6 in E'IGURE 2 illustrating an input jack for entering postage in the miniature postage meter.
FIGURE 7 is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken through plane 7-7 in FIGURE 3.
- FIGURE 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken through plane 8-8 in FIGURE 3 illustrating a portion of the ink ~- -7-''' '' .

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jet printing device.
FIGURE 9 is a functional block diagram o~ the postage meter and of a central postage dis-tributing station to which it is connected Eor reentry of postage, for power supply recharging, and for reEill with ink.
FIGURE 10 is an enlarged view of the upper right hand corner of the envelope showing, in detail, the postage indicia prin-ted by the miniature postage meter oE the present invention.
FIGURE 11 is a vertical cxoss-sectional view taken through plane 11-11 in FIGURE 13 of a second embodiment of the miniature postage meter of the present invention having a display for indicating the amount of stored postage rema1ning in the meter FIGURE 12 is a second vertical cross-sectional view taken through plane 12-12 in FIGURE 13 oE this second embodiment.
FIGURE 13 is a top plan view of this embodiment~
FIGURE 1~ is a functional block diagram of the micro computer and display used in this second embodiment.
FIGURE 15 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view .
taken through plane 15-15 in FIGURE 18 of a third embodiment of the postage meter of the present invention incorporated with a hand-held mathematicaL calculator.
FIGURE 16 is a back elevational view of the postage meter-calculator apparatus.
FIGURE 17 is a front elevational view oE this apparatus ; partly broken away to show detail.
FIGURE 18 is a top plan view of this apparatus also partly broken away to show detail.
EIGURE 19 is a perspective view of the third embodiment ; 30 shown while a document is being imprinted with postage indicia ~rn . r~ i r~

FIGURE 20 is a functional block diagram o~ this combined postage meter calculator apparatus~
DET~ILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIGURE 1 illustrates one embodiment of the micro computerized~ miniature postage meter of the present invention, generally indicated at 10, in position immediately after prin-ting predetermined postage indicia 12 on the upper right hand corner -~
of a document in the form of an envelope 14. Of course/ postage indicia may be as easily printed on other forms of documents, such as labels, that are affixed to packages or directly on the :
packages.
: The illustra-ted envelope 14 is of conventional let-ter si~e, namely 9.5 inches (2~.lcm) wide and 4.0 (10.2cm) inches high. It can be readily appreciated, then, that the miniature postage meter 1~ is extremely small (proposed dimensions are approximately 3.75 inches (9.5cm) in height and 1.5 inches ; (3.8cm) in diameter) when compared with other presently known postage meters used in business and industry. The postage meter is comparable in size to many articles which people frequently carry with them, such as butane-type cigarette lighters, key carrying cases, and cosmetic compacts. Since the meter is completely self-contained, and, when activated in a manner ~.
described below in detail, ready to print postage that has been stored in it at any time or place, it is as convenient to use aspreviously printed postage stamps Furthermore, large amounts afpostage can be stored in this meter more easi.ly than similar amounts, in the form of small denomination stamps, can be stored, . ~s will be e~plained in greater detail below, the compact size of the postage meter 10 is achieved by the use of a sinyle chip micro computer which performs the meter control and

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_ g_ , ', da-ta proc~ssing functions, by the elimination of all mechanical document handling apparatus, and by the elimination of usually large and cumbersome mechan1cal prin-ting apparatus. Specifically, the meter is clesigned to be moved relative to the document by the operator while an electronic printing device, controlled by the micro computer, prints the desired postage indicia.
In this preferred embodimen-t, postage meter 10 is programmed to print postage indicia 12 having only ~ixed information. For example~ as shown in ~IGURE 1 and in detail in FIGURE 10, the postage lndicia information may include a meter registration number 16, the postage amount 18, and the state and number 20 of the central postage distributing station from which the meter was issued. The information may also include prearranged code markings 22 intended to discourage counterfeit postage printing. The meter may be programmed to print additional ~ixed information or variable information such as the date. Through more complex refinements described below, the meter may also be adapted to print variable postage amounts.
Referring now to FIGURES 2 through 8, the micro computerized miniature postage meter 10 includes a main cyclindrical body 24 which houses operating components or the meter. At its lower end, body 24 terminates in two partially cylindrical, diametrically opposed skirts 26 and 28 (FIGURES 2, 3, and 4), Two guide rollers 30 and 32, which are mounted to span the distance between opposed, axially extending edges 34 and 36 of the opposing skirts, facilitate movement o~ the meter 10 over the envelope 14 or other document.
The meter components are concealed and protected in the cylindrical body 2~ ~rom both the bottom and top. The bottom ; 30 o~ body 24 is enclosed by a base support plate 37. The top o~ the .,, ;, ~ bm:&~ -10-3~

body is enclosed by a cap 38, having a cylindrical side wall ~0 telescopically received for limited movemen-t thereon. The side wall 40 is provided with an inwardly directed annular rabbet 42 at its lower mar~in that engages an ou-twardly directed annular rabhet 4~ formed on body 24 to retain the cap on the body.
However, a res.ilient wave washer 48, interposed between the cap bottom 50 and the body top 52, urges the cap axially outwardly from the body as far as permitted by the in-terengaging rabbets.
~lrtherr as shown in FIGURE 6, the interior of cap side wall 40 and the exterior of the upper portion of body 24 are formed with interengaginy splines ~6 which prevent relative body-cap rotation about their common axis A. As explained below, the meter is activated to print postage indicia by deprasslng the cap down onto the body.
As can be seen in FIGURES 2 and 3, the operating components of the meter include a printing apparatus in the form of an ink jet printing device, generally indicated at 54, mounted on base plate 37. This printing device is designed to project ink droplets onto the document i.n a pattern forming postage indicia 12 when mo~ed i~-close proximity relative thereto as depicted in FIGUR~ 1. The device 54 comprises eleven precisely aligned, closely spaced, ink-conducting capillaries or channels 56 (FIGURE
3), the outlet ends 58 of which are arranged in a linear array ~ ;
which extends in a direction parallel to the axes of guide rollers 30 and 32 (FIGURE ~). Further, these outlet ends 58 are positioned in close relation to the document when the meter is supported thereon. Accordi.ngly/ the linear capillary outlet end array extends perpen~icularly to the direction in which the miniature postage meter 10 i5 designed to be moved relative to the envelope 1~. ~t their ends opposite the outlet ends 58, capillaries 56 ,, --11--hm-(~`r~.
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all communicate with an arcuate manifold 57 supplied through a central conduit 59.
As shown in FIGURE 3 and in greater detail in FIGURE
8, an electrical-to-mechanical transducer 60 is located in communication with each of the ink capillaries 56. Each transducex ineludes a single disk of piezoelectric eeramic 62 bonded to an electrically inactive substrate 65. When the ceramic is energized, a slight physical deflection or "dishing" is produced which is sufficient to cause ejection of a tiny ink droplet through the outlet end 58 of the assoeiated capillary 56 Accordingly, when the transdueers are energized in proper sequence as the meter 10 is moved aeross the envelope 1~, the postage indieia 12 are formed of a pattern of tiny projeeted ink droplets.
- Ink jet printing device similar to that deseribed above are presently produced and sold by Gould, Inc., Chieago, Illinois, and electrical-to-mechanical transducers such as those described, commonly called "unimorphs", are manufactured by, for example, Vernitron Piezoelectric Division, Bedford, Ohio.
The printing deviee 54 supports an ink reservoir 64 whieh supplies ink to central conduit 59j mani~old 57 and, hence eapillaries 56. More particuarly, the reservoir is formed with a bottom coupling 66 whieh engages main conduit 59 Opposing flanges 68 and 70 (FIGURES 2 and 3) formed on -the bottom of reservoir 64 embrace the upper portion of printer 5~ and guide the coupling 66 to conduit 59. A eapped filler tube 67 shown in phantom lines in FIGURES 2 and 3, is in fluid eommunication with and is used to fill -the reservoir.
As the meter is moved-across the doeument on guide rollers 30 and 32, the ink jet printing device 5~ is se~uentially actuated by a single chip micro eomputer 72 to project ink bm~
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droplets on-to the document surface in a postage indicia printing pattern. In order to accomplish this control function, the micro computer 72 is elec-trically connected to the individual transducers 60 of printing device 54 in a manner that may be described with reference to EIGURES 2, 3, 7 and 8. The micxo computer is mounted on and electrically connected to a first printed circuit board 74 which has printed conductive paths 76 thereon. A second printed circuit board 78, also having conductive paths 80 thereon, is electricalIy connected to the first and, hence, to micro computer 72, by conductors 81 (FIGURE
7). Both boards are mounted in vertical, mutually parallel relation in the cylindrlcal body 24 and are supported at their upper ends by suitable struts 84 mounted from the inner cylinder wall (FIGURE 3). Each board is further supported at its lower end by two opposing, upwardly projecting flanges 86 and 88 formed on the top of ink reservoir 64 (FIGURES 2 and 3). The connections continue through conductive paths 90 formed on the ink reservoir. In particular, the reservoir is encased in silicone rubber into which-the conductive paths are molded in a m~nner developed by Chomeric$, Inc., Woburn, ; 20 Massachusetts. As shown in FIGUR~ 2, conductive paths 76 and 80 which carry control slgnals to transducers 60 terminate at locations between flanges 86 and 88, Similarly, paths 90 terminate in flanges 86 and 88 which accordingly form sockets 7 for the bottoms of circuit boards 74 and-78. The connections are completed through flanges 68 and 70 which embrace printing device 54. As shown in FIGURE 8, conductive paths 92 are printed on the face of device 54, are contacted by paths 90 in flanges 68 and 70, and are connected to the transducer ceramic 62 through a mass 94 of conductive rubber. (Note that paths 92 properly -13~
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appear to overlie capillaries 56 in FIGURE 3).
The micro computer also automatically coordinates the ra-te at which it sequentially actuates the ink printing device with the rate of movement of the meter and, hence, the printing device relative to the document. In order to do so, the micro computer is supplied by an optical monitor with signals indicative of the actual rate of relative document-meter movement. This optical monitor, generally indicated at 96 and shown in detail in EIGURES 2 and 4, includes a phototransistor 98 to which light is conducted by a fiber optic probe lO0, The probe is fixed in a mounting block 102 -to focus on the area of the envelope 14 where ink droplets are projected from the lowermost capillary outlet 58a. The optical monitor 96 further includes a source of light in the form oE a light emitting diode (LED) 10~ also positioned in mounting block 102 to focus on the area of the envelope at which ink droplets,from outlet 58a are projected.
' In this as well as other embodiments of the meter lO~
micro computer 72 is programmed so that an ink dxoplet is projected from outlet 58a each time printing device 54 is actuated~
to yield a control pattern in the form of a line 106 underscoring other information in the postage indicia as shown in FIGURE lO.
Accordingly, the optical monitor 96 observes this control pattern since the photo-transistor can sense changes in the magnitude of light emitted by the LED 104 and reflected from the control line ink droplets and from the blank document areas between the control line ink droplets. A pulsating signal having frequency determined by the rate of movement of the monitor over the line is, therefore, generated and conducted to the,micro computer 72.
The functional interrelat,ionship of the micro computer ~ 14-bm~

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72, ink jet printing device 54, and optical monitor 96 and further details of micro computer operation may be most easily described with reference to FIGURE 9 As shown there, the micro computer 72 includes a logic curren-t 108 which controls ac-tuation of the ink jet pxinting device 54 and i5 connected thereto in the manner described above.
The micro computer 72 also has a clock circuit 110, connected to phototransistor 98 through line 112, which computes the instantaneous rate of relative movement of the printing device and the document from the phototransistor input signal The clock circuit then generates a feedback signal on line 114 to the logic circuit 108 which coordinates the instantaneous rate of actuation of the printing device-document movement. In this manner, the postage indicia is properly formed regardless of the rate at which the meter is moved across the envelope.
A postage memory registor 116, also part of mlcro computer 72, stores purchased amounts of postage and is addressable by the logic circult 108 on line 115 to reduce the stored amount of postage by that printed during each meter use. ~;
That is, at the completion of printing of one postage indicator ~ ~;
or mark, the logic addresses the memory registor to reduce the stored amount of postage by the amount printed.
Finally, the micro computer 72 includes a disabling lock-out 118 which is addressable by the memory register I16 on line 119 to render the meter inoperative when the stored amount of postage is depleted to a predetermined minimum amount. For example, the disabling lock-out 118 may be set to lock out the meter when one imprint remains in the memory reyister. In the preferred embodiment o~ the meter, the logic circuit is disabled by the lock-out. Further, the meter may be provided with a low bm ~
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postaye indicator in the form of an light emitting diode 120~
mounted in cap 38, (FIGURES 3 and 5) addressable b~ the memory register to light when some amount of post~ge higher than the minimum amount remains in the memory~ .Fo~ example~ the memory might be set -to turn LED 120 on when ten imprints remain to he used. In this way, the meter warns the user that more po$tage must be purchased.
As shown in FIGURES 2~3,6 and 9, the micro computer 72 and associated components t and the LED 104 are energized by a power supply 107 in the form of a .rechar~eable~ nickel cadmium battery which is connected to activate the meter throu~h a microswitch 10.9 This microswitch is mounted with.circuit board 74 in operative proximity -to a protective leaf sprlng 111 mounted : on cap 38 When the cap is depressëd~ the switch is ciosed to activate the meter for one print cycle.. ~Note that the disabling ~ lock-out 118 ma~ also be arranged to disconnect power supply 107 thxough.switch 109 at the same time as the logic circuit is ; disabled.~
The micro computerized miniature po$tsgs meter o~ ths present invention is usPd as follows When one wish.es to imprint a document with postaye indicia, the cap is pressed downwardly to close micros~itch lO9.which enables the power supply lQ7 to activate the micro computer 72. The meter is placed on the uppex right hand corner of the envelope 14 with.the indicati.ng arrow printed on the cap 38 pointing from ri.ght to left along the top of the envelope~ The meter is then moved from right to left on rollers 30 and 32 at any des.irsa rate. (Right-to-left movement is chosen to insure that the postage indicia is printed entirely on the documen-t.~ The optical monitor 96 observes the rate at , .~ ~ .
bm :~J/`7~, which the me-ter is moved relative to the document and the micro computer clock circuit 110 automatically calculates the instantaneous relative rate from this observed rate, The clock circuit in turn signals the logic circuit 108 to actuate the ink jet printing device 54 at a rate when which properly forms the postage indicia without distortion. After the indicia has been completely printed, the logic circuit addresses the memory register 116 to reduce the amount o postaye stored therein by the amount of postage just printed~
After repeated uses when the postage stored in the memory register has been depleted to the predetermined minimum amount, ~he disabling lock-out 118 au'c~matically~disconnects the power supply from the micro computer and disables the logic.
Accordingly, even by tampering with the meter to reconnect the power supply, a user cannot enable it to print more postage until reprogrammed. ~;
The miniature postage meter of the present invention is designed for repeated reuse in conjunction with a central postage distributing station 122 diagrammatically illustrated in FIGURE 9. As shown in FIGURES 2, 3 and 6~ the meter-includes a number of input connections all accessible when cap 38 is removed. These input connections comprise two jack plugs 124 which are connected to the micro computer. Further, two jack plugs 126 are positioned at the top of the power supply for connection with a recharging source. Finally, inlet iller tube 66 to the ink reservoir 64 has a cover 128 which is removed and replaced with cap 38. When the meter 10 is returned to the central postage distributing station 122, the cap 38 is removed by an authorized person. ~he meter is thenplugged into the bm ~

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central s-tation 122 which has a main input plug 130 that is connected to a power supply recharyer 132, a ink supply 134, and a postage dispensing computer 136 adapted to enter purchased postage in the micro compu-ter memory register. Main input plug is arranged to simultaneously connect micro computer 72 with dispensing computer 136, the power supply 107 with the power supply recharger 132 and the ink reservoir 62 with the ink supply 134. Thus, the power supply may be recharged, additional purchased postage may be reentered in the memory register, and the ink reservoir may be refilled in one step.
~ he micro computerized miniature postage meter of the present invention may be adapted in more sophisticated embodiments ~ for expanded capability. For example, FIGURES 11 through 14 : illustrate a s.econd embodiment, which.. has.a display . :
for indicating the exact amount of postage that remains stored in the meter a~ter each use. The second embodiment of the postage meter of the invention, generally indicated at 210, includes a rectangular body 212 which is closed at the top and open at the bottom, and which .is approximately the same size as a key ~0 carrying case. A self-contained start print button 215 is mounted in the top of the body. A base support plate 214 encloses the bottom of the body and supports the meter components which include an ink jet printing device 216 supplied with ink by an ink reservoir 218 in the same fashion as described with reference to the first embodiment. The ink jet print.ing device is actuated by a micro computer 220 having three integrated circuit chips 222 each mounted on ~ separate-.. printed circuit board 224. The circuit boards are mounted in vertical, mutually parallel relation above a power supply 226 in the form of a brn~

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nickel cadmium battery supported on base platé 214, The circuit boards ~2~ and, hence, chips 222, are interconnected and are further connected with other meter components such as skart print button 215, power supply 226 and printing device 216 by a multiconductor ribbon-type cable 227.
As with the meter of the first embodiment, the meter 210 of the second is adapted to be moved in operative proximity relative to a document, during which time the micro computer 220 : actuates the printing device 216 to properly form desired postage l~ indicia without distortion. In order to do so, micro computer 220 is connected through cable 227 to an optical monitor 223 identical tO the monitor previously described, which observes the rate of relative movement and provides a rate indic.ating signal to the micro computer. -~
As shown in simplified form in FIGURE 14, micro ~.
computer 220 includes loglc 230 and clock 232 circuits which then coordinate the rate of printing device actuation with the rate . :~
of relative meter-document movement in the same way as micro computer 72. Micro computer 220 also incorporates a postage .
memory register 234, for storing purchased amounts o~ postage, which has added capability not ~ound in memory register 116. In particular, in this second meter embodiment, the memory register 234 is adapted to signal a display 236 to indicate the amount of ~:
postage which remains stored in the meter after each use. This display, which may be a light emitting diode or liquid crystal display, accordingly becomes a visible descending postage register.
In the preferred form, the micro computer 220 is programmed to activate the display 236 approximately five seconds after postage indicia has been printed and for a period of five seconds. Thus, bm:/J,~ .
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-the meter user is remlnded, after each me-ter use, of how much postage remains stored therein, and of when more postage should be entered in the memory register.
The micro compu-ter finally includes a disabling lock-out circuit 238 for disabling the meter when postage store~ in memory register 23~ has been depleted to a predetermined minimum amount.
The meter 210 constructed in accordance with the second embodiment may be replenished with ink and postage by removing the entire body 212 from the meter components, thus exposing micro computer input jacks 240 and an ink reservoir filler tube 242. Cable 227 is provided with a loop ~44 to permit disengagement of the body from the components. Power supply 226 can be recharged through an exposed input jack 246.
A third embodiment, which functions as both a postage meter and a ma-thema-tical calculator is illustrated ln FIGURES 15 through 20. The apparatus 310 of this embodiment ls housed in a body 312 having size approximately the same as currently -available handheld calculators, and includes a micro computer 314 2~ comprised of five integrated circuit c~ips 316. Each chip is again mounted on a printed circuit board 318.
Micro computer 314 includes a programmable postage logic circuit 320 (FIGURE 20) which actua-tes a printing device in the form of six s-taggered, eleven-jet ink jet printers 322 (FIGS. 17, 18 ~ 19) arranged to print postage indicia from the resulting sixty-six ink droplet array. Each single printer is identical to those described with reference to the first two embodiments of the present invention. However, by arranging a collection of six printers as shown in FIGURES 15 and 18, printing capacity is .

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greatly increased.
As can be seen in FIGURE 15, body 312 is ~ormed with a support portion 324 and an elevated portion 326 on its bottom.
The ink jet printers are mounted above the elevated portion under which a document may be easily drawn as depicted in FIGS. 18 & 19 to receive prin-ted indicia.
It will be appreciated from FIGURE 20 that apparatus 310 also includes an optical monitor 328 and that micro computer 314 also includes a clock circuit 330, a memory register 332, and a disabling lock-out circuit 334~ all of which function in the same way as do corresponding components described with reference to the first two embodiments. However, postage logic circuit 320 is more versatile than the logic circuits in either of those ;~
embodiments since it may be programmed to actuate ~he printing device to print varying amounts of postage. An input key board 336 (also shown in FIGS. 15 & 17 through 19) mounted on top of body 312 is provided for entering information and programming instructions in the micro computer postage logic for this purpose~
Moreover, micro computer 314 also includes a mathematical logic circuit 338 which is programmed to perform mathematical calculations. Information and programming instructions may also be entered in mathematical logic circuit through key board 336. A mode control switch 339 is provided so that the apparatus 310 may be selectively operated through key board 336 in either the postage meter or calcula-tor mode.
The ink jet printing device may be actuated by the mathematical logic circuit 338 to print results of mathematical ; calculations. However, a display 340, in the form, ~or example, of a light emitting diode or liquid crystal display, is mounted bm :a'~

in the upper portion of body 312 for visually showing these results.
Display 340 may also be connected to the memorv reals-ter to show the amount of postage stored therein, in the same manner as display 236 o~ the second embodiment when the apparatus is operated in the postage meter mode.
Power supply and micro computer input jacks 342 and 3~4 respectively are accessible from the rear oE body 312 (FIG. 16) for recharging a power supply 3~6 and reentering 10 , postage in memory register 332.
The miniature postage meters of the present invention and a central postage distributing station may be used in several novel ways to distribute and dispense postage. In each way, the micro computer postage memory register of any miniature postage meter is first electrically connected to the central station 122, i.e. the postage dispensing computer 136 and a predetermined ' purchased amount of postage is entered therein. The meter may then be distributed to the ultimate postage user by any number of different methods. For example,- the postage user may obtain a meter at a post of~ice or store by paying a cash secur,ity deposit in addition to purchasing the amount of postage stored in it.
~e then uses the postage in the meter as necessary in the manner described above. Once the memory register has been depleted of purchased postage, the meter is disabled,to prevent further dispensing of postage. It is then returned to the place of purchase from which it is returned to the central postage distributing sta-tion. rrhe micro computer of the meter is again electrically connected to the postage distributing computer and a predetermined amount of postage is entered in the memory register. I'he cycle of distribution and use is then repeated.

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When the meter is returned to the place of purchase by the ultimate postage user, his security deposit is refunded or alternatively, he is given a me-ter in which postage has been entered in exchange for purcha~e of the amount of postage.
Return may be accomplished by maîling or hand carrying the meter for exchange to the central postage distributing station.
Alternatiyely, the meter may be sold directly to the ultimate postage user. When he desires to purchase more postage, he merely has to return the meter to a central postage lQ distribution station where an additional amount of purchased postage is entered in its memory register. Reprogramming station consols may also be set up at locations remote from the central distribution station. In each of these alternative methods, ~ -the ink reservoir is refil1~ed and the power supply is recharged when the meter is connected to the central postage distribution station.
The advantages of such a system of postage dist~ribution `
to both the consumer and to the government can be readily appxeciated. The postage consumer is affarded a means of using postage ~ar more conven~ent than those presently known.
Goyern~ent printing costs for postage would also be greatly reduced. -Although specific embodiment of the micro computerized, miniature postage meter of the present invention and methods for distributing and dispensing postage usin~ this meter have been described above in detail, it is to be understood that this disclosure is for purposes of illustration.
Modifications may be made to the described structures and to the described methods by those skilled in the art in order to adapt these structures and methods to particular applications ,.,. .:

Claims

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:

1. A microcomputerized, miniature postage meter for printing postage indicia on a document such as an envelope, label, or the like, said postage meter comprising:
A. printing means including an ink jet printing device adapted to project ink droplets onto the document in a postage indicia forming pattern; and B. microcomputer means operatively connected to said printing means, and programmed to actuate said ink jet printing device to project ink droplets onto the document in the postage indicia forming pattern; wherein said microcomputer means comprises:
a. microprocessor logic means programmed to actuate said ink jet printing device; and b. a postage memory register, for storing a purchased amount of postage, addressable by said logic means to reduce the amount of postage stored therein by the amount printed during each meter use.

2. The microcomputerized, miniature postage meter as claimed in claim 1 wherein said microcomputer means is programmed for disabling said postage meter when postage stored in said memory register is depleted to a predetermined minimum amount.

3. The microcomputerized, miniature postage meter as claimed in claim 1 further comprising:
a display, addressable by said microprocessor, for indicating when a predetermined low amount of postage remains stored in said memory register.

4. The microcomputerized, miniature postage meter as claimed in claim 1 further comprising:
a digital display, addressable by said micro-processor, for indicating the amount of postage which remains stored in said memory register.

5. A microcomputerized, miniature postage meter for printing postage indicia on a document such as an envelope, label, or the like, said postage meter comprising:
A. printing means including an ink jet printing device, mounted to be moved in close operative proximity relative to the document and adapted to project ink droplets onto the document when moved relative thereto;
B. means for monitoring the relative movement of said printing device and said document; and C. a microcomputer including:
1. processor logic means for sequentially actuating said printing device to project ink droplets onto the document in a programmed pattern to print the postage indicia;
2. clock circuit means connected to said microprocessor logic means for providing a signal to said logic means to coordinate the actuation of said printing device with the amount of relative movement to properly form the printed postage indicia;
3. a postage memory register, for storing a purchased amount of postage, addressable by said logic means to reduce the amount of postage stored therein by the amount printed during each meter use; and 4. a lock-out function means for disabling said postage meter when postage stored in said memory register is depleted to a predetermined minimum amount.

6. The microcomputerized, miniature postage meter as claimed in claim 5 wherein said microcomputer postage memory register is adapted for entry and re-entry of additional purchased postage and wherein said micro-computer further comprises:
means for resetting said lock-out function means to enable said postage meter to operate when additional postage is re-entered in said memory register.

7. A postage distributing and dispensing system comprising:
A. a microcomputerized, miniature postage meter for dispensing postage by printing postage indicia on a document such as an envelope, label, or the like, said postage meter including:
1. printing means having:
a. an ink jet printing device adapted to project ink droplets onto a document; and b. an ink reservoir for storing ink and supplying ink to said printing device;
2. a microcomputer comprising:
a. microprocessor logic means for sequentially actuating said printing device to project ink droplets onto the document in a programmed pattern to print the postage indicia;

b. a postage memory register, for storing a purchased amount of postage, addressable by said logic means to reduce the amount of postage stored therein by the amount printed during each meter use, said memory register being adapted to have additional purchased postage re-entered in it;
3. a rechargeable power supply for powering said microcomputer and said printing device; and 4. jack means electrically connected to said microcomputer and said power supply and in fluid communication with said ink reservoir; and B. a central postage distributing station having 1. an input plug formed to connect with said jack means;
2. a postage dispensing computer electrically connectable through said input plug and jack means to enter additional purchased postage in said microcomputer memory storage register;
3. a power supply recharger connectable through said input plug and jack means to recharge said power supply, and 4. an ink supply connectable through said input plug and jack means to said ink reservoir to supply ink thereto.

8. A method of distributing and dispensing postage comprising the steps of:
A. entering a predetermined amount of postage in a microcomputer memory register in a hand-held postage meter at a central computer postage distribution station;
B. distributing the postage meter with the predetermined amount of postage entered therein to be dispensed;
C. dispensing postage as needed from said memory register by moving the postage meter over documents to be printed with postage until the amount of postage entered therein is depleted to a predetermined minimum amount preset in the memory register and until the postage meter is disabled to prevent further dispensing of postage when the postage entered in the memory register is depleted to the minimum amount preset therein;
D. electrically connecting the memory register to a central postage distribution station; and E. again entering a predetermined amount of postage in the memory register for redisttribution of said postage meter.

9. The method of distributing and dispensing postage as claimed in claim 8 wherein the postage meter includes an ink jet printing device, supplied by ink from an ink reservoir, for printing postage indicia on a document such as an envelope, label, or the like, to thereby perform said dispensing step, wherein the micro-computer memory register and the ink jet printing device are powered by a separately chargeable power supply and wherein said method further comprises the steps of:
charging the power supply; and filling the ink reservoir, said charging and filling steps being performed concurrently with said entering step.

10. The method of distributing and dispensing postage as claimed in claim 8 wherein said distributing step further comprises:
providing a postage meter at a distribution center to a user in exchange for a security deposit, and wherein said method further comprises the steps of:
returning the postage meter to the distribution center; and refunding the security deposit to the user after said returning step.

11. The method of distributing and dispensing postage as claimed in claim 10 wherein said returning step comprises:
mailing the postage meter to the distribution center.

12. The method of distributing and dispensing postage as claimed in claim 8 wherein said distributing step further comprises:
providing a postage meter, having a memory register in which a predetermined amount of postage is stored, to a user at a distribution station in exchange for at least the cost of the postage plus a meter security deposit;
and wherein said method further comprises the steps of:
returning the postage meter to the distribution station after said dispensing step; and providing another postage meter having a memory register in which a predetermined amount of postage to be stored to the user in exchange for at least the cost of the postage.

13. The method of distributing and dispensing postage as claimed in claim 12 wherein said returning step comprises mailing the postage meter to the distribution station and wherein said step of providing another postage meter comprises-mailing said other postage meter from the distribution station to the user.

14. The method of distributing and dispensing postage as claimed in claim 8 wherein said distributing step comprises selling said postage meter.

15. The method of distributing and dispensing postage as claimed in claim 8 wherein said entering step is performed at a computer console electrically connected to said central computer but located remotely therefrom.