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Part 6: TAPE LEVER. This lever works only on the
“OPERATE” position. Depressing this lever will
activate the printing mechanisms and causes one printed
stamp to be delivered at the right side of the machine.
METER REGISTERS
Each postage meter has two registers. One is
called the ascending register and the other the
descending register (see figure 8-6, part 2). When
postage is printed, the descending register subtracts, or
goes down. At the same time the ascending register
adds, or goes up. So the descending register will
always show you the amount of postage in dollars and
cents remaining on the meter. The ascending register
will show the total amount of postage sold.
Example: Present meter readings
Descending
502948
Ascending
94701
If you sold postage in the amount of $.48, the meter
readings would look like this:
Descending
502900
Ascending
94749
Using these same register readings, how much
postage is remaining on the meter? How much postage
has been sold? You should have answered $5,029.00
total postage remaining and $947.49 for the total
postage sold. To print the desired amount of postage,
set the amount keys on the meter (see figure 8-6, part 3)
to the appropriate numbers.
SAFEGUARDING POSTAGE METERS
Each postage meter is accountable equipment and
is controlled by one person, usually the COPE.
(Remember postage meters are only at large MPOs.)
However, custody of a meter may be assigned to
another person if it is not feasible for the COPE to have
custody. Remember, each postage meter has a meter
number imprinted on it (see figure 8-6, part 8). The
meter custodian will issue the postage meter and key at
the beginning of each business day to the operating
clerk and will take custody of it at the end of the
business day. The key is used to lock the meter
whenever the meter is not under personal supervision.
While the meter is in the meter operator’s custody, the
operator is responsible for all postage printed and for
locking the machine and safeguarding the meter
operating key during temporary absences.
ISSUING THE METER
PS Form 3602-PO, Postage Collected Through
Post Office Meter (see figure 8-9) is used to record
daily meter register readings. These forms are issued
in pads of 100 forms in triplicate. The forms are
serially numbered and are accountable. Each set of
three forms has the same number. The meter custodian
should retain these forms.
8-18
PCf0809
Figure 8-9.—An example of a PS Form 3602-PO set.
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