Tape module for a modular mailing machine

The tape module for mounting in a mailing machine includes a tape track supported by a support means such that the tape track is supported in a generally cantilevered manner. A tape positioning means selectively positioning the support means in a first position and in a second position longitudinally removed from the first position. A tape feed means for selectively feeding one of a plurality of imprinting tapes to and through the tape track such that the fed imprinting tape resides within the tape track when the tape track is in the second position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
This invention relates to imprinting systems, such as, postage meter 
mailing machine, which systems are used to imprint information on a 
sheet-like median and, more particularly, to a mailing machine tape supply 
assembly wherein the tape supply assembly has a modular construction. 
In the mail processing field, it is most desirable for a system operator to 
be able to deliver to mail processing equipment a batch of "Mixed mail", 
that is, the batch is comprised of a large number of envelopes of varying 
dimensions, particularly thickness, and weight. The ability of a mail 
processing system to process a large variety of mixed mail eliminated the 
need of the system operator from performing the preliminary steps of 
presorting the mail. It is further desirable for mail processing equipment 
to be able to weigh the individual envelopes and affix the appropriate 
postage value indicia in accordance with the envelope weight. It is 
generally considered advantageous if the mail processing equipment can 
imprint a quality indicia upon envelopes varying in thickness from that of 
a postcard to approximately a quarter (1/4) of an inch. It is also 
considered advantageous for the mail processing equipment to possess the 
capability to imprint a postage indicia on tape strips which can be 
affixed to packages too large to be accepted by the mail processing 
equipment. 
It is known to provide mail processing equipment comprised of a feeder for 
singularly delivering envelope in series to a transport assembly. The 
transport assembly deposits the envelope on the scale for weighing. After 
a sufficient time to assure a true scale reading of the envelope weight, 
commonly referred to as "weight on the pause", the transport assembly 
again assumes control over the envelope and delivers the envelope to the 
mailing machine. 
The mailing machine is most commonly comprised of a integral transport 
assembly and attached rotatory print drum type postage meter. The mailing 
machine transport assembly assumes speed control over the envelope 
performing any necessary speed adjustments to the envelope required to 
match the envelopes traversing speed with the imprinting speed to the 
postage meter print drum to promote a quality indicia print. It is known 
for the postage meter to include a value setting mechanism under the 
influence of the scale which cause the postage meter value setting 
mechanism to adjust the postage meter printing mechanism for printing of 
the appropriate postage rate on the approaching envelope according to the 
envelope weight as determined by the scale. 
The mail processing system depicted above has as its primary objectives (i) 
the capability to process a dimensionally wide variety of envelopes 
particularly with respect to thickness and weight (ii) as fast as possible 
in terms of envelope per second (iii) while applying a quality postal 
indicia. The described mail processing system has several limiting factors 
with respect to increasing throughput relative to system cost. One such 
limiting factor is represented by the time required in transporting the 
envelopes from one process station to another. Another limiting factor is 
reflected in the time necessary to obtain an accurate weight from the 
scale. While such factors as transport time and weighing time can 
conceivable be decreased by incorporating advance system techniques, the 
rule of diminishing returns predicts that small improvements in system 
throughput by such an incorporation would be achievable at disproportional 
increases in system cost. 
One possible alternative means of increasing the throughput of such mail 
processing systems is to provide multiple scales and a suitable transport 
system such that the scales are placed in alternative use. Such an 
arrangement would conceivably allow overlapping of system process or 
function to achieve a not insignificant increase system through. However, 
such an alternative represents added cost from both an equipment and 
system complexity standpoint. 
In order for the mail processing equipment to accommodate the processing of 
packaged mail, it is desirable to include the capability within the mail 
processing equipment by a suitable mechanism to produce postage indicia 
printed tape strip which can be adhered to packaged mail. Such a mechanism 
optimally would not detract from the speed capability of the mail 
processing equipment to nominally process envelope mail. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
It is an objective of the present invention to present a tape mechanism of 
a generally module form integrated into a mailing machine for facilitating 
the production postage indicia printed tape strip which can be adhered to 
packaged mail. The tape module is integrated into the mailing machine so 
as not to detract from the speed capability of the mail machine to 
nominally process envelope mail. 
It is a further objective of the present invention to present a tape module 
which has the capability of accommodating at least two types of tapes for 
selective application of a postage indicia. 
The tape module of the present invention is particularly suited for 
employment in a novel postage meter mailing machine having an increased 
throughput capability, in part, resultant from providing the mailing 
machine with a single process station whereat an envelope can be weighed 
and an postage value indicia applied. The mailing machine includes a 
transport assembly for properly positioning an envelope in the process 
station. The envelope is fed to the mailing machine transport assembly by 
a suitable envelope feed apparatus, such as, a mixed mail feeder. After 
the envelope has been weighed and imprinted at the process station, the 
transport assembly assume control over the envelope again and ejects or 
discharges the envelope from the mailing machine. 
The mailing machine process station is comprised of an integral scale 
suitable adapted to accommodate the transport assembly, an envelope 
sealing assembly complimentary to the transport assembly is optionally 
provided, a vertically displaceable flat printing platen and a postage 
meter support assembly for supporting a suitably attached postage meter. 
By employing a multiple function processing station the mailing machine 
throughput is substantially increased by facilitating minimum time lag 
between functional operations on each envelope and eliminating the 
transportation time required by multiple process station systems. 
Generally the scale is isolation mounted to the mailing machine base and 
includes a plurality of slots in the weighing plate of the scale. The 
weighing plate has mounted thereto a plurality to support members having a 
generally C-configuration. The support members have fixably mounted 
thereto a envelope clamping assembly which functions to clamp an envelope 
to the weighing plate during weighing and to promote transport of the 
envelope. 
The transport assembly is comprised of a plurality of rollers independently 
supported by the mailing machine base in a manner which permits the 
rollers to assume a vertically engaged position (up position) in 
communication with the clamping assembly or a vertically disengaged 
position (down position) out of communication with the clamping assembly. 
Each roller is aligned to journey partly through a respective slot in the 
up position. A bi-directional drive motor assembly is in communication 
with each roller via a endless belt. The drive motor assembly includes a 
one way clutch interactive with the transport assembly such that motor 
actuation in a first direction results in the endless belt imparting a 
driving force to each roller and motor actuation in the second direction 
causes the transport assembly to reposition the rollers in the second 
position. 
The sealing assembly is mounted in the mailing machine in a suspended 
manner over a portion of the weighing plate of the scale and includes a 
plurality of sealing members selectively positionable in a first position 
being biased downwardly and a second position being placed in a upwardly 
retracted position. In the first position, a plurality of the sealing 
members are biased other ones of the transport rollers. 
The mailing machine further includes a vertically displaceable platen 
assembly mounted to the base of the mailing machine and aligned for 
cooperatively acting with a suitable postage meter mounted to the postage 
meter support assembly. 
The tape module a support means for supporting a tape track in a generally 
cantilevered manner to extend generally below the meter module located to 
one side of the meter module. The tape module can be selectively 
positioned in a first position such that the tape track is located 
longitudinally below and vertically between the printing means of the 
meter module and the platen assembly. In a second position of the tape 
module, the tape track is positioned longitudinally below and 
longitudinally in spaced relationship to the printing means of the meter 
module and the platen module. The tape module includes a tape feed which 
can selectively deliver to the tape track one of two type of tape for 
imprinting by the meter module. 
The mailing machine further includes an inking mechanism for depositing ink 
on the meter print elements and a tape dispensing mechanism. 
Other capabilities and advantages of the present invention will be apparent 
or presented in the following detailed description of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
The novel postage meter mailing machine particularly suited for employment 
of the present invention employs a novel modular architecture. That is, 
the mailing machine is comprised of subsystems which are not 
interdependent. Therefor, the mailing machine can be configured to include 
only those subsystems modules necessary to meet particular operational 
needs for a given application environment or, alternatively, the mailing 
machine can be configured to include the full array of subsystems modules 
providing maximum application flexibility. For example, where the used 
environment is restricted to processing uniform mail, the scale module, 
subsequently described, may be omitted in substantial portion from the 
mailing machine without affect the system performance of remain modules or 
the system controller. 
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a mailing machine, generally indicated as 11, 
employs a novel subsystems modular architecture comprising a scale module 
13, a transport module 12, a postage meter module 15, a tape feed module 
17, a inking module 19, and a platen module 21. The modules are located 
within the mailing machine 11 such that the scale module 13 is located 
frontwardly of parallel support walls 33 and 35 of the mailing machine 11. 
The support walls 33 and 35 are fixably mounted to the mailing machine 
base 30 in lateral spaced apart relationship. Mounted to the base plate 30 
between the support walls 33 and 35 is the ink module 19. Mounted above 
the ink module 19 to the support walls 33 and 35 is the postage meter 
module 15. The Platen module 21 is mounted to the base 30 just below a 
registration portion of the postage meter 15, to be described more fully 
later. In addition, the mailing machine has mounted to the wall 35 the 
tape feed module 17 of the present invention coactive in the preferred 
embodiment with a tape cutting mechanism 230. 
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the scale module 13 most suited for the present 
invention is of the resilient type more fully described in co-pending 
application Ser. No. 073,790, filed July 7, 1987, entitled APATUS AND 
METHOD OF DETERMINING THE MASS OF AN ARTICLE BY MEASURING THE SHIFT IN THE 
PERIOD OF HARMONIC MOTION, herein incorporated by reference. Briefly, the 
resilient type scale, most suited and described in the noted applications, 
utilizes the principles of harmonic vibration for the purpose of 
determining the weight of an article. A flexibly mounted platform 
(inclusive of members 37, 40, 43, 45, 47 and 49) is caused to oscillate by 
an initial excitation action (not here shown). The frequency of the 
oscillation is primarily dependent upon the total mass of the platform, 
and anything connected thereto, such as, envelope residing on the 
platform, and the platform spring constant. As a result the mass of an 
envelope residing on the platform can be determined and a weight assigned 
by comparing the oscillation obtained subsequent to residence of the 
envelope with the know nominal oscillation. For the purpose of brevity, 
the heredescribed portion of the scale module 13 represents that portion 
of the resilient type scale necessary to illustrate the scales' 
interrelationship with the mailing machine 11. 
Referring particularly to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the scale module 13 is of the 
resilient type and includes a weighing plate 37 supported by vertical beam 
members 40 at one of their respective ends. The other end of each beam 
member 40 is fixably mounted to a counter plate 42. The mailing machine 
base 30 includes a plurality of scale support post 36 each support post 36 
including a flex member 34. Each flex member 34 is fixably mounted to the 
counter plate 42 in such a way as to provide isolation mounting for the 
scale module 13 from the base 30. 
The weighing plate 37 is generally rectangular in shape and includes a 
longitudinally extending recess 38 formed along the rearward side of the 
weighing plate 37 also formed in the weighing plate are a plurality of 
co-linearly aligned slots 41 (not shown in FIG. 3 for the purpose of 
clarity). A first generally C-configuration clamp 43 is fixably mounted 
along the rearward side of the weighing plate laterally to one side of the 
recess 38. A second generally C-configured clamp 45 is fixably mounted to 
the rearward side of the weighing plate 37 laterally to the other side of 
the recess 38. A support beam 47 (shown in phantom in FIG. 3 for the 
purpose of clarity) is fixably mounted at its ends to the respective 
clamps 43 and 45. Rotatably mounted by conventional means to the support 
beam 47 is a plurality of clamping members 49 each of which is mounted 
such that it is positioned over a respective one of said slots 41. Each of 
the clamping members 49 includes a mounting arm 51 rotatably mounted to 
the support beam 47 at one end and biased downwardly by any conventional 
means such as a spring. The other end of the mounting arm 51 has fixably 
mounted thereto a generally arched flange member 53 laterally sized to 
prevent the flange member 53 from venturing into a respective slot 41. 
It should be appreciated that to the extent that the weighing function is 
not desired to be included, the scale module as aforedescribed, inclusive 
of the functional capabilities cited in the applications herein 
incorporated, may be illuminated. The only modification or substitution 
necessary is the employment of a transport plate, of like construction to 
the weighing plate 37, which transport plate can be fixably mounted 
directly to mailing machine base 30 and including the clamps 43 and 45, 
support beam 47 and clamp members 49. The members 43, 45, 47 and 49, in 
the preferred embodiment of this invention, are maintained for interaction 
with the transport module in a manner hereafter described. 
It is noted that as viewed in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4, the preferred 
embodiment of the present invention includes a sealing modules, generally 
indicated as 42. The sealing module 30 is comprised of a generally 
L-shaped support member 44. The support member 44 is fixably mounted at 
one end to the mailing machine base 30. The other end of the support 
member 44 rotatably supports a plurality of sealing members 46 biased 
downwardly by a respective spring 48. The sealing members 46 are aligned 
longitudinally in a generally staggered relationship and include tab 56. A 
solenoid 50 is fixably mounted to the support member 44 such that the 
solenoid piston arm 52 abuts a portion of a transfer link 54 slidably 
mounted to the support member 44. The transfer link 54 in part abuts the 
respective sealing member tab 56. Actuation of the solenoid 50 causes the 
solenoid piston arm 52 to displace the transfer link 54 which thereby 
causes the sealing members 46 to rotate to a spaced apart relationship to 
the weighing plate 37 during the weighing process. 
Referring to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, the transport module 12 is comprised of a 
plurality of first guide rollers 57 are rotatably mounted to a frame 58 
(best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4). The frame 58 includes support seats 70, 
each seat 70 having a resident seat 72. A plurality of generally L-shaped 
support members 74 are fixably mounted at one end to the base 30 such that 
they do not interfere with the counter plate 42 of the scale module. The 
other end of the support member 74 is receive in a respective seat 70 of 
the frame 58. Each support member 74 includes a seat 76 having a guide pin 
78 biased in the vertically upward direction by a spring 80 residing 
therein. A portion of the guide pin 78 also, in part, resides in the seat 
72 of the respective frame seat 72. 
Also rotatably mounted to the frame 58 is a plurality of rollers 61 
positioned vertically downwardly from and between a adjacent guide rollers 
57. Fixably mounted by any conventional means so as not to interfere with 
the operation of the scale module 13 to the base 30 of the mailing machine 
is a bi-directional drive motor 63 and associated drive train, generally 
indicated at 65. An endless belt 69 is placed in driving communication 
with the drive train 65 which includes a one way clutch arrangement, 
generally indicated as 67. The endless belt 69 is positioned in a 
serpentine manner around rollers 57 and 61 thereby providing driving 
communication between the drive motor 63 and the rollers 57. 
When belt 69 is driven in the envelope feed direction of the mailing 
machine by the drive motor 63 as permitted by the one-way clutch 67, the 
frame 58 will assume the nominal or first position pursuant to the urging 
of the spring biased guide pin 78. In the first position, the rollers 57 
are positioned by the frame 58 to extend through and slightly above a 
respective slot 41 in the weighing platform 37. When the belt 69 is driven 
in a reverse direction to the envelope feed direction, the one-way clutch 
prevents continues displacement of the belt 69 causing the belt 69 to 
impart a downward force on the frame 58 overcoming the biasing force of 
the springs 80. As a result, the frame 58 is displaced downward to a 
second position causing the rollers 57 to be withdrawn from the slots 41. 
It is noted that the drive train 65 includes a take-up roller 66 biased in 
a conventional manner such that when the frame 58 is in the second 
position the take-up maintains the belt 69 in a taut condition. 
It is now apparent that when the rollers 57 are withdrawn from the slots 
41, the clamps 47 bias a envelope on the weighing plate thereagainst which 
facilitates the weighing process. When the rollers 57 are journeyed 
partially into the slots 41, the clamps 47 assist the transport function. 
Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 12 and more particularly FIG. 6, as afore 
noted, the postage meter 15 is mounted between the support walls 33 and 
35. The postage meter includes a forwardly located registration area, 
generally indicated as 82. Mounted to the base 30 of the mailing machine 
just below the register area 82 of the postage meter 15 is the platen 
module 21. The platen module 21 includes a support wall 81 fixably mounted 
the base 30. A plurality of C-brackets 83 and guide pins 85 are fixably 
mounted to one face of the support wall 81 in vertical alignment to allow 
a platen guide rod 87 to vertically slide along a defined vertical path. A 
platen guide rod 87 is laterally captured by the C-brackets 83 and guide 
pins 85 and has fixably mounted to its top a platen plate 89. Also fixably 
mounted to the platen plate in laterally spaced relationship is a first 
and second rack post 91 and 93, respectively. Fixably mounted atop the 
platen plate 89 is a elastomeric material having a generally rectangular 
shape of uniform thickness. 
A drive motor 97 is mounted to and between parallel support brackets 99 
such that the rack posts 91 and 93 are outboard of the respective brackets 
99. The drive motor 97 includes a drive shaft 101 which extends axially 
through the drive motor 97. At each end of the drive shaft 101 is fixably 
mounted a gear 103 aligned to be in constant mesh with a respective rack 
post 91 and 93. It is now appreciated that actuation of the drive motor 97 
can cause the rack post to elevate the platen plate 89 to bring the 
elastomeric member 95 into engagement with a properly positioned envelope 
in the meter register projection area and, in so doing, cause an indicia 
to be imprinted on the envelope. 
Referring now to FIGS. 1, 7, and 12, the inking module 19 is located 
between the support walls 33 and 35 of the mailing machine 25. A motor 
mounting plate 111 is fixably mounted vertically to the base plate 30. A 
drive motor 113 is fixably mounted to the motor mounting plate 111 such 
that the output shaft 115 extends through the plate 111. Fixably mounted 
around one end of the output shaft 115 outboard of the plate 111 is a gear 
117. A second gear 119 is pivotally mounted to the base 30 in constant 
mesh with gear 117. A linkage assembly comprised of a driving shaft or 
first link 121 is fixably mounted to the second gear 119 at one end. 
Fixably mounted along the first link 121 is a second link 123 and a third 
link 125 in spaced apart parallel orientation a fourth link 127 is 
pivotally mounted at its respective ends to a respective link 125 and 123. 
A first and second transfer link 129 and 130, respectively, are pivotally 
mounted in spaced apart relationship at one end to the fourth link 127. 
Fixably mounted inboard to each of the support walls 33 and 35 is a first 
guide pin 135 and a second guide pin 137. 
Each of the transfer links 129 and 130 extend respectively below a guide 
pin 135 and above a guide pin 137 such that the guide pins 135 and 137 act 
to guide the longitudinal displaceable path, respectively, of the transfer 
links 129 and 130. The guide pins 135 and 137 also provide vertical 
support. Fixably mounted to the forward end of each of the transfer links 
is a ink pad well 139 in which a ink pad resides (now shown). At the other 
end of each of the transfer links 129 and 130 is formed a tilting surface 
141. It can therefore be appreciated that upon actuation of the motor 113 
the linkage assembly is driven forwardly. The pins 135 are positioned such 
that when the ink pad tray 139 is positioned just below the register area 
85 of the meter 15 the tilt surface 141 are brought into forced engagement 
with the pin 135 causing the transfer links 130 and 129 to be tilted 
upwardly elevating the ink pad well 139 into engaging contact with the 
register area 85 of meter 15. 
Referring now to FIGS. 1, 4, 8, 9, 10, and 12, the tape module 17 is 
slidably mounted to the wall 35 along a track 150 formed along the 
outboard side of the wall 35. The tape module consist of a rail 151 which 
is slidably mounted longitudinally to track 150 to define the longitudinal 
displacement path of the tape module 17. A bracket 155 is fixably mounted 
to the rail 153. A second bracket 157 having a generally vertically 
extended slot 159 is mounted to the bracket 155. The bracket 155 includes 
a back wall 161 which has mounted thereto a first tape drive motor 163 and 
a second tape drive motor 165. The bracket 155 includes a first set of 
longitudinally aligned bracket flanges 167. Pivotally mounted to each of 
the flanges 167 is one end of a first pivot arm 169. The bracket 155 
further includes a second set of bracket flanges 171 which, in like 
manner, has pivotally mounted thereto, respectively, one end of a second 
pivot arm 173. The other end of each pivot arm 169 and 173 is pivotally 
mounted to a tape guide housing 175. 
The tape guide housing 175 has an entrance 177 aligned opposite an exit 
179. Fixably mounted in a cantilever fashion to the tape guide housing 175 
to extend outwardly from the exit 179 of the tape guide housing 175 is a 
tape track 181 having a wedged shape feed member 183 extending partially 
into the tape guide housing 175. The tape track 181 and the feed member 
183 are mounted to the side walls of the housing 175 to laterally extend 
across the exit 179. It is noted that the tape track 181 is comprised of a 
first and second channeled side walls 174 and 176, respectively, having a 
strip member 178 supported by and longitudinally between the side walls' 
channel (ref. to FIG. 8a). Rotatably mounted in the tape guide housing 175 
is a first and second tape drive roller 185 and 187, respectively. 
Rotatably mounted in the housing 175 opposite the first drive roller 185 
is a first idler roller 187 and, in like manner, a second idler roller 191 
is rotatably mounted opposite the second tape drive roller 187. A flexible 
shaft 193 communicates the first motor 163 to the first tape drive roller 
185 and, in like manner, a second flexible shaft 195 communicates the 
second tape drive motor 165 with the second tape drive roller 187. 
The housing 175 further includes a flanged portion 197 having fixably 
mounted thereto a plurality of first guide pins 198 and a plurality of 
second guide pins 199. A dual tape support assembly 200 is fixably mounted 
to the base 30 and rotatably supports a first and a second roll of tape 
203 and 205, respectively. The first roll of tape 203 is threaded such the 
the guide pins align the tape 203 for journey into the housing 175 and 
tape track 181. The tape 203 is located in the tape track 181 so as to be 
captured between the channeled side walls 174 and 176 resting on the strip 
178. As shown in FIG. 8 and in accordance with the preferred embodiment of 
the invention, the tape 203 is a backing tape supplied with sufficient 
backing lead such that the backing 180 will extend in a reverse direction 
below the strip 178 to and between the idle roller 191 and the drive 
roller 187 such that actuation of the drive roller 187 on the tape backing 
180 causes the tape 203 to be advanced and the backing pealed away. The 
tape 205 is journeyed around the pin 198 to pass between idle roller 198 
and drive roller 185 and into the tape track 181 to rest on the tape 203 
and captured between the channeled side walls 174 and 176. 
Optionally, it may be desired for the tape 203 to be of the non-backing 
type. As indicated in phantom in FIG. 9, the tape can be optionally 
threaded directly between rollers 187 and 191 of the track 181. 
Referring more particularly to FIGS. 10 and 12, the tape module 17 is 
slidable along a track 150 formed formed in wall 35 pursuant motivation of 
second bracket 157. It is noted that the tape module 17 is so positioned 
relative to the registration area 80 of the postage meter 15 and the 
platen module 21 such that the track 181 is located in a first position 
between the postage meter registration area 80 and the platen module 21. 
In a second position the track 181 is repositioned below the postage meter 
15 clear of platen plate 89 travel. The position of the track 150 
dependent upon the location of the second bracket 157. 
In order to motivate the second bracket 157 and, in turn position the track 
181 in the first (as indicated in phantom in FIG. 12) or second position, 
a motor 210 is fixably mounted to the mailing machine base 30. Fixably 
mounted around the output shaft of the motor 210 is a pulley 212. 
Rotatably mounted to the wall 35 is a double pulley assembly 214 which 
includes a first pulley 216 and second pulley 220. The first pulley 216 is 
in driven communication with the motor 210 through an endless belt 218 
journeyed between the pulleys 212 and 216. A crank assembly 222 is 
rotatably mounted to the wall 35 and includes a pulley 224 in driven 
communication with the pulley 220 of the pulley assembly 214 through an 
endless belt 226. The crank assembly 214 also includes a crank arm 228 
having a slide pin 230 residing in the slot 159 of the bracket 157 of the 
tape module 17. 
Motivation of the tape module 17 along the track 150 is accomplished by 
causing the motor 212 to rotate the pulley 212 in the direction shown in 
FIG. 10. The rotation of pulley 212 is transferred to pulley 224 of the 
crank assembly 222 through the double pulley assembly 214 by belts 218 and 
216. The rotation of pulley 224 through one-half revolutions causes the 
tape module 17 to displace from the first position to the second position. 
Further actuation of the motor 210 causes the pulley 224 to further rotate 
to complete the revolution resulting in the tape module returning to the 
first position. 
Referring to FIG. 11, the mailing machine may further include a tape cutter 
module 230. The tape cutter module 230 is comprised of dual track 232 
mounted outboard of the wall 33. A member 234 is slidably mounted to track 
232. A lever arm 236 having a vertically directed slot 238 is fixably 
mounted to the member 34. The lever arm 236 includes a portion 240 which 
extends in a horizontal cantilevered manner and has a rotary blade 242 
rotatably mounted to the end of the lever portion 240. A cutter beam 244 
is mounted to the wall 33 to cooperative act with the rotary blade 242. 
Actuation of the cutter module 230 is provided by the motor 210. The double 
pulley 214 is fixable mounted centrally around a shaft 246 rotatably 
mounted to the wall 35 by any conventional means. The shaft 246 extends 
longitudinally to and is rotatably mounted in a support member 248 fixably 
mounted to the base 30 of the mailing machine. Fixably mounted around a 
portion of the shaft 246 generally adjacent to the member 248 is a crank 
arm 250. The crank arm 250 includes a pin 252 slidably captured in the 
slot 238 of the lever arm 236 such that upon initial one-half rotation the 
motor 210, acting through the double pulley shaft 246 caused the lever arm 
236 to be displaced by the crank arm pin 252 to a second position 
(indicated in phantom in FIG. 11). Further actuation of the motor 210 
causes the pulley 224 to further rotate to complete the revolution 
resulting in the rotary cutter blade in coaction with the beam 244 to cut 
a tape 205 segment ejected the past. 
It is intended that the mailing machine 11 operate such that the transport 
module 12 receives a envelope from a suitable feed mechanism (not shown). 
The transport system properly positions the envelope on the weighing plate 
relative to the meter module 15. The transport rollers 57 are then caused 
to withdraw, in the manner aforedescribed, under the influence of the 
motor 63. Simultaneously, the inking module 19 has been actuated, in the 
manner aforedescribed, to apply imprinting ink to the registration area 85 
of the postage meter module 15 and withdrawn to the first position prior 
to the arrival of the envelope. Upon the arrival of the envelope in proper 
position at the process station and withdrawal of the transport rollers 
57, scale module 13 will weigh the envelope, in a manner described in 
co-pending application Ser. No. 073,790, and inform the meter for meter 
setting, in a manner described in co-pending application Ser. No. 114,358, 
filed Oct. 27, 1987 entitled PRINTHWEEL SETTING DEVICE FOR A POSTAGE 
METER. Subsequent to weighing of the envelope the platen module 21 is 
actuated, in the manner as aforedescribed, to result in the imprinting of 
an indicia on the envelope. Simultaneously with actuation of the platen 
module 21 or pursuant to a minimum time lag, the transport module 12 can 
be reactivated or further activated to return the rollers 57 to their 
first position. Upon obtainment of the first position of the rollers 57, 
the envelope is discharged from the mailing machine. Simultaneously with 
commencement of discharge of the process station envelope from the process 
station, a new envelope may be received by the transport module 12. 
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tape module 17 
can be positioned, in the manner aforedescribed, for imprint of a indicia 
on one of the tapes 203 or 205 carried by the tape module 17. It is noted 
the vertical elevation of the tape track 181 is below the vertical 
position of the ink pad well 139 such that the tape track 181 does not 
interfere with the operation of the inking module 17. 
Should it be desired to imprint an indicia on the tape 205, it is the only 
necessary to actuate the platen drive motor 97. Inking can then occur 
after each cycle of the platen drive motor 97. Subsequent to imprinting, 
the tape drive motor 163 to cause the indiced portion of the tape 205 to 
be ejected and cut, in a manner as aforedescribed, by the cutter module 
203. In order to imprint on tape 203, the described is again followed with 
the exception that prior to imprinting the tape 205 is drawn in a reverse 
direction by the taped drive motor 163 to expose the tape 203 to the meter 
register area. The indiced tape portion of tape 203 being ejected under 
the influence of tape drive motor 165. 
It should now be well appreciated that the invention as afore described has 
been described in its preferred embodiment and in its preferred 
environment and the description should not be taken as limiting.