Abstract: A method and system for reformatting an ASCII or similar text file is provided, such that the resulting output can be easily manipulated, enhanced and postal coded. Text reformatting of the present invention uses easily defined set up data tables to read the input text file and then to direct extraction of information from the input text file for storage in a set of data base tables. Included in this information may be destination addresses, which can be optionally exported to address quality software for postal coding and presorting. The address data is then re-imported and a report is created using a standard report generator. The report may then be sent to a document finishing program for processing into a mail stream.

Abstract: The invention is a client message structure and its method for use in communicating a message between a client and a server in a print stream processing system. The structure comprises a set of elements that facilitate message throughput while minimizing competing client message traffic. The first element comprises message assembly device at the client for producing a message structure in accordance with a protocol established by the server. An interface, such as a TCP/IP socket, is provided for interfacing the client with the server. The interface is linked with socket thread production device for maintaining a link with the server. The structure includes a message structure format which comprises message header segments for identifying the message to the server, and a message property structure format, comprising a set of message header segments for identifying message properties.

Abstract: A method providing for programming reprogramming at least some software into flash memory of a postage machine or other mailing apparatus. The method calls for providing the software to be programmed into the flash memory in at least two builds, with one build providing kernel software that includes the functionality needed for programming/reprogramming (including functionality for linking to a personal computer by which the software to be programmed may be provided), and the other build providing non-kernel software, usually routines providing application-oriented functionality, and not essential to programming the flash memory. The first build, of the at least two builds, is written into sectors of the flash memory that are then locked. The system provides, in some applications, for writing the non-kernel software using a paging algorithm that writes several sectors worth of non-kernel software at a time.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for monitoring print quality produced by a digital printing mechanism in real-time. Print quality is measured by: generating a background reflectance signal representative of the reflectance of a substrate; scanning the image to generate a post-print reflectance signal; comparing the reflectance signal with the post-print reflectance signal; and, if the post-print reflectance signal is greater than a predetermined fraction of said reflectance signal, generating an output signal indicative of poor quality. In one embodiment of the invention, the output signal is also generated if the post-print reflectance signal is less than a predetermined minimum value.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting chemical or biological hazards in items is provided. An incoming mail mailbox includes a sampler to sample air from a letter that is tested using a first sensor and then placed in a receptacle having an environment that is tested using a second sensor.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling content from a plurality of content sources of one or more types to be searched, displayed, and easily accessed for consumption. A user may concurrently view a plurality of display areas, including a tuned media display area, a page index display area, a search results area, an area for displaying links to alternate guides or search engines. The page index area includes links to pages that contain search results, as well as links to user defined category pages. The search results area displays search results as user-selectable links. Associated with each displayed search result are additional selectable objects that allows a user to search for related content. A display options feature allows a user to select the level of detail presented in the other display areas.

Abstract: A media feed system with a self-contained propulsion system is provided. A singulator is used to feed a single media piece and a sensor determined when to disengage propulsion.

Abstract: A reconfigurable reflective apparatus that includes a flexible reflector supported by a plurality of support ribs that are pivotally connected to a central locking control hub, wherein at least one support rib can be independently set in any one of a plurality of pivot positions.

Abstract: A method of producing a mailpiece including the following steps: (i) printing a postal indicium and a first inspection image on a first label segment; and (ii) printing a recipient address and a second inspection image on a second label segment; (iii) applying the first label segment and the second label segment to the mailpiece. The first inspection image and the second inspection image have a human visible relationship indicating that the first label segment and the second label segment correspond to each other.

Abstract: A method and system for printing specific print zones of a substrate is described. A bundled shuttle print head assembly is utilized to print desired print zones of a substrate in a single pass while the substrate is stationary in a stopped position.

Abstract: A print signal generation system for generating print bit map data corresponding to a desired image where the print bit map data is utilized by a digital printing device to print the desired image. The system includes region parameter data, a first data generation system and a second data generation system in operative communication with the first data generation system. The region parameter data includes region data defining a partitioning of the desired image into a plurality of regions and expansion data. The first data generation system generates transaction data associated with the desired image and using the transaction data in combination with the region parameter data to generate print instruction data. The second data generation system receives the print instruction data from the first data generation system and expands the print instruction data based upon the region parameter data to generate the print bit map data.

Abstract: A system, device and method for recording information to be included on a substrate in both human and machine readable forms. The system includes a programmable stamp which can be affixed to the substrate, and a data recording and input device is provided for use with the system. The data recording and input device includes a pen; an accelerometer system generating signals representative of the movement of the pen; a memory; a wireless communications system; and a processor responsive to the accelerometer signals and communicating with the memory and the wireless communications system. In a first mode the processor is programmed to process the accelerometer signals to recognize data written with the pen and store the recognized data in the memory. In a second mode the processor is programmed to control the wireless communications system to transmit the stored data to the programmable stamp.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for monitoring print quality produced by a digital printing mechanism in real-time. Print quality is measured by: generating a background reflectance signal representative of the reflectance of a substrate; scanning the image to generate a post-print reflectance signal; comparing the reflectance signal with the post-print reflectance signal; and, if the post-print reflectance signal is greater than a predetermined fraction of said reflectance signal, generating an output signal indicative of poor quality. In one embodiment of the invention, the output signal is also generated if the post-print reflectance signal is less than a predetermined minimum value.

Abstract: A method and system for safe mail transmission is provided. A letter is created with a marking compound that provides contrast in a detection system. The letter is sealed in a protective enclosure and scanned when received.

Abstract: A postage metering system includes a base and a user interface mounted to the base. The user interface includes a micro controller, an internal socket for receiving an integrated circuit chip and a smart card reader interface connector for interfacing with an external smart card. The micro controller is configurable to address either the internal socket or the smart card reader interface connector to access postage metering functionality.

Abstract: A method and corresponding system for assembling collation sets from a split web consisting of two webstreams, each providing a series of collations of connected sheets. The method includes the steps of: alternately selecting the two webstreams and from the selected webstream drawing a sheet to a cutting or bursting station; cutting or bursting the sheet to separate it from the webstream; conveying the sheet to an accumulating station where sheets are accumulated; monitoring the sheet for determining whether the sheet is a beginning or an end of a collation; and ejecting the sheets accumulated from the selected webstream based on the determining of whether the sheet is the beginning or the end of a collation.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for controlling the traveling direction of a piece of folded material in the feed path of a folding machine. A first roller nip is used to ingest the folded material into the front end of a turn chute. If the traveling direction is to be maintained, the folded material is allowed to move out through the rear end of the turn chute. If the traveling direction is to be reversed, a stop is used to block the rear end in order to keep the leading edge of the ingested folded material from leaving the turn chute through the rear end. At the same time, the trailing edge of the ingested folded material is caused to engage in a second roller nip located in the front end of the turn chute, in order for the second roller nip to move the folded material out of the turn chute, thereby reversing the traveling direction of the folded material.

Abstract: Predetermined print control signals are provided to a digital printing mechanism that responds to the print control signals to print an image on a substrate. A reference signal is derived from said print control signals. The image is scanned to generate a post-print signal. The reference signal is compared with said post-print signal. If the reference signal and the post-print signal do not compare within predetermined standards, an output signal indicative of poor print quality is generated. The print mechanism can be incorporated into a postage metering system and the image can be a postal indicia. The postage meter is responsive to a signal generated as a function of the output signal to inhibit further printing of postal indicia. Prior to printing the image, a substrate upon which the image is to be printed is scanned to generate a reflectance signal, the reflectance signal being used to correct the post-print signal.

Abstract: In a gripper mechanism for devices for handling sheet-like or plate-like articles, particularly for mail-processing machines, simple and reliable setting for the handling of light, thin and also heavy, thick articles can be effected by the use of pivotable gripper claws on the gripper hand provided at the end of a pivotable gripper arm, by virtue of the fact that a plane which is oriented approximately perpendicular to the gripper arm longitudinal axis, and in which the contact area between articles to be handled and a pivotable gripper claw also lies, is at such a distance in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the gripper arm from the pivot axis of this pivotable gripper claw that an additional pivoting moment acts on the latter in the closure direction, generated under the effect of tensile forces which seek to remove the articles to be handled from the gripper claws when these are closed, as a result of which articles of widely varying weight and varying thickness are at all times gripped securely.

Abstract: In a gripper mechanism for devices for handling objects in the form of sheets or plates, simple and easy operability of the gripper claws of pivoting gripper arms into the open position for adjustment purposes, test purposes and the like is achieved in that a manual operating element made of plastic is connected in the gripper claw operating drive between an operating lever which is mounted on the relevant gripper arm such that it can pivot, and a coupling linkage which is connected to one of the gripper claws which can pivot, and this manual operating element can pivot on the operating shaft of the gripper claw operating drive in such a manner that the claw can be caused to open easily while the machine is at rest, without any risk of injuries.