Postage franking system, device and method
First Claim
1. A postage franking device, comprising:
- a scale;
an envelope holder suspended from the scale, the holder defining a print zone at a location on an envelope proper for franking when the envelope is held in the holder in a correct position for franking;
a printer integral to the holder, the printer movable across the print zone; and
a controller electronically coupled to the scale and the printer, the controller configured to receive information from the scale, access postage, and direct the printer to print a desired postage in response to information received from the scale.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
In one embodiment, a postage franking device includes: a scale; an envelope holder suspended from the scale; a printer supported by the holder, the printer movable across the print zone; and a controller electronically coupled to the scale and the printer, the controller configured to receive information from the scale, access postage, and direct the printer to print a desired postage in response to information received from the scale. In another embodiment, a postage franking method includes: purchasing postage; storing the postage; accessing the stored postage with a postage franking device having a scale and a printer; determining a required postage for the envelope based on the weight of the envelope; if the required postage is less than the stored postage, then printing the required postage on the suspended envelope; and deducting the required postage from the stored postage.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A postage franking device, comprising:
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a scale; an envelope holder suspended from the scale, the holder defining a print zone at a location on an envelope proper for franking when the envelope is held in the holder in a correct position for franking; a printer integral to the holder, the printer movable across the print zone; and a controller electronically coupled to the scale and the printer, the controller configured to receive information from the scale, access postage, and direct the printer to print a desired postage in response to information received from the scale. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A postage franking system, comprising:
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a source of postage; a postage franking device comprising; a scale; an envelope holder suspended from the scale, the holder defining a print zone at a location on an envelope proper for franking when the envelope is held in the holder in a correct position for franking; a printer integral to the holder, the printer movable across the print zone; and
a controller electronically coupled to the scale and the printer and in communication with the source of postage, the controller configured to receive information from the scale, access postage through the source of postage, and direct the printer to print a desired postage in response to information received from the scale; andwherein the source of postage is remote from the postage franking device. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10)
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11. A postage franking method, comprising:
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suspending an envelope from a scale; weighing the suspended envelope with the scale; purchasing postage; and printing postage on the suspended envelope. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14)
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15. A postage franking method, comprising:
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suspending an envelope from a scale; weighing the suspended envelope with the scale; determining a required postage for the envelope based on the weight of the envelope; requesting printing the required postage on the envelope; accessing a source of postage; and printing the required postage from postage accessed at the source on the suspended envelope. - View Dependent Claims (16)
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17. A postage franking method, comprising:
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Storing postage; Accessing the stored postage with a postage franking device having a scale and a printer; Suspending an envelope from the scale; Weighing the suspended envelope with the scale; Determining a required postage for the envelope based on a weight of the envelope; Requesting printing the required postage on the envelope; Determining whether the required postage is less than or equal to the stored postage; Printing the required postage on the suspended envelope when it is determined that the required postage is less than or equal to the stored postage; and Deducting the required postage from the stored postage. - View Dependent Claims (18)
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19. A machine readable medium having instructions thereon for:
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Storing postage; Accessing the stored postage with a postage franking device having a scale and a printer; Suspending an envelope from the scale; Weighing the suspended envelope with the scale; Determining a required postage for the envelope based on a weight of the envelope; Requesting printing the required postage on the envelope; Determining whether the required postage is less than or equal to the stored postage; Printing the required postage on the suspended envelope when it is determined that the required postage is less than or equal to the stored postage; and Deducting the required postage from the stored postage.
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Specification