Electronic postage meter with a ring counter

DETAILED DESCRIPTION What is claimed is: 1.
In an electronic postage meter having at least one volatile register for real time accounting for dispensing of value, means for minimizing the loss of value represented in said volatile register in the event of failure comprising: (a) a non-volatile memory having a selected plurality of locations; and (b) computer means for writing into successive locations of said plurality of locations of said non-volatile memory data corresponding to a predetermined increment of value as each successive predetermined increment of value is transferred in said volatile register.
2.
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said computer means is operative to erase and write data at each successive location in a sequence of locations in said non-volatile memory respectively in response to each successive predetermined increment transferred in said volatile register.
3.
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said non-volatile memory is a non-volatile memory that requires no power backup.
4.
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said non-volatile memory is an MNOS memory.
5.
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said at least one volatile register is an ascending register for totalizing the amount of value printed by the meter.
6.
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said at least one volatile register is an ascending register for totalizing the amount of value printed by the meter.
7.
The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising means for reading and printing the data stored in said selected plurality of locations of said non-volatile memory in a format in which the last incremented location is readily ascertainable by inspection.
8.
In an electronic postage meter having at least one volatile register for accounting for postal value, structure comprising: (a) a non-volatile memory having a plurality of locations which are operative for receiving and storing newer data in place of older data stored therein; and (b) computer means operative to repeatedly store new data respectively at sequential locations of said plurality of locations in response to transfer of successive predetermined increments of postal value in said register whereby said plurality of locations in the non-volatile memory function as a ring counter for non-volatile storage of data representing accumulated value transferred in said at least one volatile register