초록 ▼

A postage meter includes a printing device including a removable ink supply carried by the printing device. The printing device is movable on a carriage over an area in which printing of a postage indicia is to be effected and is movable to a location beyond that area for the purpose of replacement

A postage meter includes a printing device including a removable ink supply carried by the printing device. The printing device is movable on a carriage over an area in which printing of a postage indicia is to be effected and is movable to a location beyond that area for the purpose of replacement of the ink supply. Access to the printing device to replace the ink supply is by means of a hatch in a housing of the postage meter. The printing device can be moved and from the location only when the hatch is locked closed and the construction of the carriage and the mounting thereon of the printing device is such as to inhibit access to electrical connections between the printing device and the postage meter.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A postage meter including a printing device traversable across an area in which a postage indicium is to be printed and including ink supply means movable with the printing device; and wherein means for traversing the printing device is operable to move the printing device to a loc

[ We claim:] [1.] A postage meter including a printing device traversable across an area in which a postage indicium is to be printed and including ink supply means movable with the printing device; and wherein means for traversing the printing device is operable to move the printing device to a location beyond said area; and including a hatch in a secure housing of the postage meter adjacent said location; lock means operable to lock the hatch in a closed position; said hatch being openable only when said printing device is in said location to permit removal and replacement of said ink supply means and said postage meter being operative to print postage indicia only when the hatch is locked in a closed position.