METHOD FOR INITIALIZING A TAPE FEEDING, CUTTING AND EJECTION APPARATUS FOR A MAILING MACHINE

摘要

A mailing machine which incorporates the method in includes a postage meter having a postage meter drum. There is a sensor for detecting tape in the tape path and a knife for cutting the tape and means for ejecting a cut segment of tape. The method for initializing the machine includes the steps of testing for each of the conditions which may indicate that here was a failure to complete a proper sequence of ejection of a cut tape prior to the machine shutting down. A plurality of recovery sequences are provided which end in placement of the tape into a known position. This is particularly important where the tape paths are essentially inaccessible to the operator and any jams will necessitate a service call.