Patent ID: 6741971
Filing Date: 2004-05-25
Classification: G07B

Abstract:
A self-contained multi-function system for preparing documents and envelopes, at least one of said documents and envelopes being provided with an electronic tag with a writable microcircuit, the system comprising a general-purpose computer for preparing both the documents to be sent and the respective envelopes for said documents, said system further preparing secure postage metering or â€œfrankingâ€  information for said at least one of the documents and the envelopes, said system further comprising a singular digital imaging device connected to the general-purpose computer so as to print both the documents and at least a destination address but not the postage imprint on the envelopes, and a folder/inserter connected both to the singular digital imaging device and to the general-purpose computer so as to receive and fold the printed document, and, once said document has been inserted in the envelope, so as to affix the postage imprint selectively by performing a write operation to one or both of the electronic tags carried by the envelope or the document.