| (19) |
 |
|
(11) |
EP 0 321 098 A3 |
| (12) |
EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
| (88) |
Date of publication A3: |
|
28.02.1990 Bulletin 1990/09 |
| (43) |
Date of publication A2: |
|
21.06.1989 Bulletin 1989/25 |
| (22) |
Date of filing: 18.11.1988 |
|
|
| (84) |
Designated Contracting States: |
|
CH DE FR GB LI |
| (30) |
Priority: |
17.12.1987 US 134624
|
| (71) |
Applicant: PITNEY BOWES, INC. |
|
Stamford
Connecticut 06926-0700 (US) |
|
| (72) |
Inventors: |
|
- Cohen, Jack A.
Norwalk
Connecticut 06854 (US)
- Stricker, Gordon G.E.
New Haven
Connecticut 06515 (US)
- Silverberg, Morton
Westport
Connecticut 06880 (US)
|
| (74) |
Representative: Cook, Anthony John et al |
|
D. YOUNG & CO.
21 New Fetter Lane
London EC4A 1DA
London EC4A 1DA (GB) |
|
| |
|
| (54) |
Modular mailing machine |
(57) An inking module (19) for a mailing machine (11) includes a plurality of first links
(129, 130) extending horizontally and parallel. One end of the first links (129, 130)
are fixably mounted to an ink pad tray (139), the other end of the first links (129,
130) having formed thereat a tilting surface (141). A drive means (113) causes the
first links (129, 130) to displace the ink pad tray (139) to and from the first and
second position. A guide means (135, 137) guides the first links (129, 130) horizontally
along a linear path and includes abutting means (135) for causing the first links
(129, 130) to tilt vertically when the tilting surface (141) contacts the abutting
means (135) to place the ink pad tray (139) in the second position.