Postage meter for metering mixed weight mail

摘要

A postage meter having an improved throughput for processing mixed weight mail. A postage meter is provided with a commnications link for receiving signals from a system for determining postage amounts and transporting mailpieces. A first signal is provided indicating that a next postage amount will be determined, and in response the postage meter performs common, preliminary steps to enable setting indicia to correspond to the next postage amount. A second signal defining the next postage amount is then received and the postage meter sets its indicia to correspond. In one embodiment of the subject invention the meter may then send a signal requesting transport of the next mailpiece. The meter may then implement common enabling steps for printing while the mailpiece is in transport. In still another embodiment the next postage amount is compared to the last postage amount to which the indicia are set, and if they are equal setting of the indicia is bypast.