Disabling a mailing machine when a print head is not installed
First Claim
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1. A mailing machine comprising:
- a printer module including a connector, a print head controller for producing print data signals necessary to print a postal indicia on an envelope and a replaceable print head cartridge having a plurality of print elements which are selectively energized in response to the print data signals, the print head cartridge detachably mounted to the connector;
an accounting module in operative communication with the printer module for producing a token necessary to generate the print data signals;
control means in operative communication with the accounting module and the printer module for;
determining if a valid print head cartridge is installed; and
if a valid print head cartridge is not installed, disabling the accounting module for producing the token.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Mailing machine including a controller, a printer module including a connector, a print head controller for producing print data signals necessary to print a postal indicia on an envelope and a replaceable print head cartridge having a plurality of print elements which are selectively energizable in response to the print data signals. The print head cartridge is detachably mounted to the connector. The controller in operative communication with the printer module for: determining if a valid print head cartridge is installed; and if a valid print head cartridge is not installed, preventing the print data signals from reaching the connector.
92 Citations
12 Claims
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1. A mailing machine comprising:
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a printer module including a connector, a print head controller for producing print data signals necessary to print a postal indicia on an envelope and a replaceable print head cartridge having a plurality of print elements which are selectively energized in response to the print data signals, the print head cartridge detachably mounted to the connector; an accounting module in operative communication with the printer module for producing a token necessary to generate the print data signals; control means in operative communication with the accounting module and the printer module for; determining if a valid print head cartridge is installed; and if a valid print head cartridge is not installed, disabling the accounting module for producing the token. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification