System for detecting tampering with a postage value accounting unit
First Claim
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1. A system for detecting tampering with a postage value accounting unit, comprises:
- means for sensing tampering of said postage value accounting unit and, in response to any sensed tampering, generating a signal;
means for printing a code on a mail piece; and
means, in communication with said sensing means and said printing means, for causing said printing means to print an invalid code on a mail piece in response to said signal.
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Abstract
A system for processing batch mail in which evidence of tampering with a postage value accounting unit is provided. The accounting unit cooperates with a printer to print postage and the zip code in bar code form on a mail piece. If there is evidence of tampering with the accounting unit, as incorrect zip code in bar code form is printed.
39 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A system for detecting tampering with a postage value accounting unit, comprises:
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means for sensing tampering of said postage value accounting unit and, in response to any sensed tampering, generating a signal; means for printing a code on a mail piece; and means, in communication with said sensing means and said printing means, for causing said printing means to print an invalid code on a mail piece in response to said signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method of determining tampering on a postage value accounting unit within a postage system having sensors including a printer, said method comprising the steps of:
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sensing tampering with said postage value accounting unit, printing a bar code in an invalid postage bar code format on a mail piece in response to the sensing of tampering; and determining the presence of tampering by inspection of said bar code. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of determining tampering in a postage system having sensors and having a postage value accounting unit and a printer operative to print a code, said method comprising the steps of:
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sensing tampering of said postage value accounting unit through the use of said sensors; and printing a code on a mail piece in response to the sensing of tampering. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification