Patent ID: 6832213
Filing Date: 2004-12-14
Classification: G07B

Abstract:
A mailing machine comprising:rate means for storing dimensional rating information for a postal authority, the rating information defining a proper amount of postage for an envelope; a transport system for feeding the envelope in a path of travel; a registration wall along which a top edge of the envelope is aligned during feeding in the path of travel; a sensor system disposed along the path of travel so as to detect the presence of the envelope; means for applying the proper amount of postage to the envelope; and a control system in operative communication with the rate means, the transport system and the sensor system, the control system being for determining a width for the envelope within a predetermined range of widths and using the width and the rate means determining the proper amount of postage for the envelope; and wherein: the predetermined range of widths begins at a dimension approximately 9 cm from the registration wall and ends before a dimension approximately 26.5 cm from the registration wall, wherein, the sensor system includes a first sensor for detecting a lead edge of the envelope and a sensor line located downstream in the path of travel from the first sensor and at an angle to the path of travel so as to detect a lead corner of the envelope.