(19)
(11) EP 0 430 646 A3

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88) Date of publication A3:
18.12.1991 Bulletin 1991/51

(43) Date of publication A2:
05.06.1991 Bulletin 1991/23

(21) Application number: 90312873.4

(22) Date of filing: 27.11.1990
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)5: G07B 17/00, G11B 7/00
(84) Designated Contracting States:
DE FR GB

(30) Priority: 29.11.1989 GB 8926954

(71) Applicant: NEOPOST LIMITED
Romford, Essex RM1 2AR (GB)

(72) Inventors:
  • Gilham, Dennis Thomas
    Brentwood, Essex CM13 2SL (GB)
  • Herbert, John
    Leigh-on-Sea, Essex (GB)

(74) Representative: Loughrey, Richard Vivian Patrick et al
HUGHES CLARK & CO 114-118 Southampton Row
London WC1B 5AA
London WC1B 5AA (GB)


(56) References cited: : 
   
       


    (54) Franking machine


    (57) A franking machine is disclosed in which accounting data is optically recorded on a tape (19) housed in a removable cassette (50). For each franking operation updated accounting data is recorded and thereby the recorded tape provides an audit trail for a sequence of franking operations. Prior to franking, the recorded data is read and checked for validity. The recording is effected by a laser beam traversed across the tape either by mechanical movement of the laser source (15) or by an optical deflection system (54, 56). The tape is stepped after each recording or the laser beam may be stepped along the tape. Sensor means (22, 53) are provided to inhibit operation if the cassette (50) is not in position or if there is no tape (19).






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