| Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
|---|
| 705060000 | Postage metering system | 9 |
| 20080281758 | Postage value exchange system and method - A postage value exchange system and method provides for the improved generation of postage indicators. A meter requesting device sends a meter request to a postage security device (PSD). The PSD processes the request based on the identification of the requesting device and a comparison of available metering funds. If authorized, the PSD provides a meter response that includes an authorization. Based on this authorization, the requesting device may thereupon locally generate the postage indicator, eliminating processing and transmission overhead from the PSD generating these indicators. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20090037338 | METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING THE PERFORMANCE OF A NETWORKED MAIL PROCESSING SYSTEM - A method of optimizing the performance of a networked mailing system having a plurality of metering systems includes determining in a first metering system that a cryptographic operation needs to be performed, and identifying a device coupled to the network that can perform the cryptographic operation faster than the first metering system. If a device has been so identified, the method further includes sending a request to the identified device to perform the cryptographic operation. If the request has been sent, the method includes receiving a response including processed data in the first metering system from the device. The processed data includes a result of the cryptographic operation being performed on the piece of data in question. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090171848 | MAILING MACHINE HAVING DYNAMICALLY CONFIGURABLE POSTAL SECURITY DEVICE TO SUPPORT MULTIPLE CUSTOMERS AND CARRIERS - A mail processing system having a postal security device (PSD) that can be dynamically configured to support multiple customers and carriers is provided. Meter records are maintained at a data center. Each meter record includes information necessary to configure the PSD for a particular customer and/or a specified carrier. The data center provides a requested meter record to the PSD, which then is configured according to the meter record. Once loaded with a complete meter record, the PSD will function as a traditional PSD and mail processing can be performed by the mail processing system using the configured PSD. All accounting takes place locally in the PSD, and all records maintained in the meter record are updated locally in the PSD. Upon completion of the mail run, the updated meter record can then be uploaded to the data center until the next mail run that requires the meter record. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20100042545 | CRYPTOGRAPHIC MODULE FOR SECURE PROCESSING OF VALUE-BEARING ITEMS - An on-line value bearing item (VBI) printing system that includes one or more cryptographic modules and a central database is disclosed. The cryptographic modules are capable of implementing the USPS Information Based Indicia Program Postal Security Device Performance Criteria and other required VBI standards. The modules encipher the information stored in the central database for all of the on-line VBI system customers and are capable of preventing access to the database by unauthorized users. Additionally, the cryptographic module is capable of preventing unauthorized and undetected modification, including the unauthorized modification, substitution, insertion, and deletion of VBI related data and cryptographically critical security parameters. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20110307386 | MESSAGING STAMP AUTHORITY - Electronic messages may be processed using a stamp authority by receiving an electronic message, identifying a stamp associated the message, determining if the stamp is valid, and, if the stamp is determined to be valid, distinguishing the message from messages with which a valid stamp is not identified. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110313929 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING CONTROLLED ACCESS TO A FUNDS DISPENSING DEVICE FROM EXTERNAL PROCESSORS - Systems and methods for providing controlled access to value dispensing devices are described and in certain examples, systems including those for providing controlled access to a postage meter from multiple programs executing on an external collocated processor are described. | 12-22-2011 |
| 705062000 | Having printing detail (e.g., verification of mark) | 3 |
| 20090083187 | MAIL STERILIZATION INDICATOR - A mail piece having a sterilization indicator includes an irradiation status area applied to a part of said mail piece. The irradiation status area is adapted to be activated by radiation. The irradiation status area has a first color prior to activation by radiation. The irradiation status area has a second color subsequent to activation by radiation. A method for the processing a mail piece having a sterilization indicator embodying the present invention includes the steps of introducing the mail piece into a postal processing system. The mail piece has an irradiation status area which is adapted to be activated by radiation. The mail piece is radiated and processed to determine whether the radiation has activated the irradiation status area. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090119219 | FRANKING METHOD AND MAIL TRANSPORT SYSTEM WITH CENTRAL POSTAGE ACCOUNTING - In a franking method and a mail transport system, a franking image is calculated before generation thereof on a mail piece. The franking image includes a franking image key, and for each new franking image, the franking image key therefor is derived from a predecessor franking image key according to a first crypto-algorithm. An integrity check code is also generated based on the new franking image key, a key generation number, an apparatus identifier of the franking device, and a second crypto-algorithm. The franking image includes at least the device identifier, the key generation number and the integrity check code. Upon transport of the mail piece to a sorting center, the franking image is scanned and fees for billing are generated based thereon. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20100228674 | CRYPTOGRAPHIC MODULE FOR SECURE PROCESSING OF VALUE-BEARING ITEMS - An on-line value bearing item (VBI) printing system that includes one or more cryptographic modules and a central database is disclosed. The cryptographic modules are capable of implementing the USPS Information Based Indicia Program Postal Security Device Performance Criteria and other required VBI standards. The modules encipher the information stored in the central database for all of the on-line VBI system customers and are capable of preventing access to the database by unauthorized users. Additionally, the cryptographic module is capable of preventing unauthorized and undetected modification, including the unauthorized modification, substitution, insertion, and deletion of VBI related data and cryptographically critical security parameters. | 09-09-2010 |
