Abstract

A postage meter utilizing an offset printing roll. A die plate carried by the roll has a first region for receiving thereon fixed information such as the city and state, and a second region for receiving thereon variable information such as the date and postage amount. At the beginning of a revolution of the printing roll, the second region is depressed and an inking roll applies ink to the first region. Then the second region is moved into the plane of the first region and an ink jet printing device projects ink droplets onto the second region to form the variable information thereon. The quality of the printed form of the variable information is sensed. If acceptable, a document is printed. If unacceptable, the first and second regions are both wiped clean and the entire operation is repeated. The cleaning operation can employ an hydrophilic oil which is applied to the printing roll. Furthermore, apparatus can be employed to improve the characteristics of the ink after it has been applied to the printing roll but before it reaches the document to be printed.