Apparatus for converting an envelope feeding machine

Abstract

Methods and apparatus are disclosed for using existing envelope feeding machines to print IBIP indicium, and CASS approved address information and bar code information. The invention is shown to include a print head operative in response to a print signal and a controller, electrically connected to the print head, for generating the necessary print signal. A frame defining a printing attachment mechanism adapted for being positioned proximate the feeding machine is provided for attachment of the print head oriented so that envelopes traveling along the feed path will pass proximate the print head. It is preferred for the printing attachment mechanism to include a plurality of print heads. In an alternative embodiment, the controller is operative in response to a control signal and a computer is provided for generating the control signal. In such an embodiment, the computer includes a modem and programming for enabling the computer to receive postage related communications via a network and for generating the control signal in response to such postage related communications.

1 . An apparatus for use with an envelope feeding machine, wherein the feeding machine feeds envelopes in a feed direction along a feed path, the apparatus comprising: 
 a print head, wherein the print head is operative in response to a print signal to print on a substrate passing proximate the print head;    a frame adapted for being positioned proximate the feeding machine, the frame being adapted to be interchangeably mounted to one of a plurality of different types of feeding machines having different feed rates, wherein the print head is attached to the frame and oriented so that envelopes traveling along the feed path will pass proximate the print head thereby enabling indicia to be printed on an envelope passing proximate the print head;    a sensor positioned proximate the feed path for generating a detection signal when an envelope passes proximate the sensor; and    a controller, electrically connected to the print head, the controller adapted to generate the print signal, the controller adapted to vary print signal speed to appropriately print the indicia on envelopes fed by feeding machines having different feed rates, the controller adapted to initiate the print signal based on the detection signal.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising an encoder in communication with the controller, the encoder providing envelope speed information to the controller.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the controller controls printing speed of the print head based on the envelope speed information from the encoder.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the controller controls printing speed of the print head based on a speed setpoint received via a user interface.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the controller comprises a computer card adapted to be inserted in a computer.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the print head comprises a plurality of print heads, each print head for printing a different portion of the indicia.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the print signal enables the print head to print information based indicia program (IBIP) approved indicia and address information together with Coding Accuracy Support System (CASS) approved bar coding on the envelope.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the controller is operable cause a request for a reduced postage rate by confirming that the indicia includes CASS approved bar coding.  
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a computer, electrically connected to the controller, the computer operable to generate a control signal indicating authorization of a postage amount.  
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the computer comprises a network communication device and the computer comprises programming for enabling the computer to receive a postage related communication via a network and for generating the control signal in response to the postage related communication.  
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is operable to print postage indicia on the envelope without a local postage meter.  
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a scanner disposed proximate the frame, the scanner scans the envelope subsequent to the envelope passing proximate the print head.  
   
   
       13 .- 15 . (canceled)