Patents Assigned to Bowe Bell & Howell
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Publication number: 20110197269Abstract: The present teachings provide and method and system for a split medium mail for customer communications. The present application relates to techniques and equipment used to create a single page summary communication included in a mailpiece to be mailed to a customer. The single page summary contains information necessary to access a full version of the customer communication by way of secure web access.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2010Publication date: August 11, 2011Applicant: Bowe Bell + Howell CompanyInventor: Michael J. Maselli
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Publication number: 20110182468Abstract: A feeder control system and method are disclosed. The system includes a feeder information detector, and a feeder information leverager to provide integrity verification, system control and/or reporting. The method includes the steps of detecting feeder information, and leveraging the feeder information to provide integrity verification, system control and/or reporting.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2011Publication date: July 28, 2011Applicant: BOWE BELL + HOWELL COMPANYInventors: Roger Spitzig, Bob Richards, Michael Boston, David Rawlings
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Patent number: 7987141Abstract: The present subject matter relates to a method and system for labeling a mail piece, and more specifically, to the application of variable sized labels to mail pieces based on the contents of the label and real-time mail processing information. More particularly, the present approach involves calculating expected label preparation time based on configuration of a labeler and printer timing information and/or real-time performance measurements to determine execution of information content printing, label feeding and cutting.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2006Date of Patent: July 26, 2011Assignee: Bowe Bell & Howell CompanyInventor: Raymond Lee
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Publication number: 20110098847Abstract: A feeder control system and method are disclosed. The system includes a feeder information detector, and a feeder information leverager to provide integrity verification, system control and/or reporting. The method includes the steps of detecting feeder information, and leveraging the feeder information to provide integrity verification, system control and/or reporting.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2011Publication date: April 28, 2011Applicant: BOWE BELL + HOWELL COMPANYInventors: Roger SPITZIG, Bob Richards, Michael Boston, David Rawlings
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Patent number: 7858889Abstract: An apparatus is provided for processing mail items transported in a stream on a transport section. The apparatus includes a weighing system which is accessible via the transport section. The weighing system includes a distributor device which divides the stream of mail items into two paths, the paths being joined together again by way of a combining device. A weighing section is provided in the first of the two paths for the automatic weight determination of the mail items, and the second path is configured to bypass the weighing section, with no weighing taking place in the bypass. In other embodiments, a calming/settling section is provided immediately prior to or after the weighing section. The mail items are transported in a clamped manner on one edge over the weighing section, whereas in the settling section, the mail items are transported on one edge while leaning against one of the lateral guide belts.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2008Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: Bowe Bell & Howell CompanyInventors: Wilfried Hahn, Matthias Emanuel
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Publication number: 20100315692Abstract: A feeder control system and method are disclosed. The system includes a feeder information detector, and a feeder information leverager to provide integrity verification, system control and/or reporting. The method includes the steps of detecting feeder information, and leveraging the feeder information to provide integrity verification, system control and/or reporting.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2010Publication date: December 16, 2010Applicant: BOWE BELL + HOWELL COMPANYInventors: Roger Spitzig, Bob Richards, Michael Boston, David Rawlings
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Patent number: 7834289Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for processing a mailing including one or more mail pieces. The exemplary systems and method include capturing address data, addressee data, or address and addressee data associated with each respective mail piece of the mailing. A delivery point address code and a unique identifier are determined for the respective mail piece based at least in part on the captured address data, addressee data, or address and addressee data. In addition, a machine readable code is generated comprising at least a mailer identifier for the mailing and the unique identifier. The machine readable code is then printed on the respective mail piece. Also disclosed are exemplary systems and methods for retrieving a delivery point address code from a move data file. A machine readable code is generated from the delivery point address code and a unique identifier, and is printed on the mail piece.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2007Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Bowe Bell & Howell CompanyInventors: Wayne Henry Orbke, John Sadler, William Andrew Grady, Richard Wojdyla, Walter S. Conard
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Patent number: 7804979Abstract: A feeder control system and method are disclosed. The system includes a feeder information detector, and a feeder information leverager to provide integrity verification, system control and/or reporting. The method includes the steps of detecting feeder information, and leveraging the feeder information to provide integrity verification, system control and/or reporting.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2004Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: Bowe Bell + Howell CompanyInventors: Roger Spitzig, Bob Richards, Michael Boston, David Rawlings
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Patent number: 7745754Abstract: Disclosed is a method for processing a stream of mail pieces from different sources. The steps include detecting information corresponding to the first source from at least a first mail piece of the stream, detecting information corresponding to the second source from at least a second mail piece of the stream, counting a number of mail pieces for each of the first source and the second source, and generating a report detailing a count of mail pieces for each of the first source and the second source.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2005Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: Bowe Bell + Howell CompanyInventors: Walter S. Conard, Steven J. Krejcik
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Patent number: 7741575Abstract: Mail processing methods and techniques for sorting and commingling mail from various mail sources including the tracking of the mail pieces through processing. Such tracking entails uniquely identifying each mail piece, received in batches from the mail sources, and recording the unique identification of each mail piece. The received mail is sorted and commingled in a first pass, to form first collections, and each first collection is loaded into a uniquely identified mail container. For each respective mail piece, the tracking entails recording an association of the unique identification of one of the mail containers into which it is likely the respective mail piece is sorted on the first pass. After processing is complete, postal and client reports can be adjusted based on actual first pass counts.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2005Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: Bowe Bell + Howell CompanyInventors: Brian C. Bowers, Steven J. Krejcik, Walter S. Conard, Michael R. Swift
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Patent number: 7735827Abstract: The disclosed concepts provide for a method and apparatus for processing batched items, which may comprise a multitude of flats, e.g., letters. The individual items are conveyed in a row and abut against a band conveyor with one edge. They are at least partially resting against and overlapping each other in a shingle-like manner. The overlapping flats are further separated (fanned out) by guiding mechanisms on each side of the overlapping flats that accelerate and decelerate as necessary.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2004Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Bowe Bell + Howell CompanyInventor: Matthias Emanuel
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Patent number: 7662080Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for improving handling of sheet articles during processing within sheet or mail processing machines, particularly for causing creased sheet articles to assume a more planar position within a sheet or mail processing machine. Rollers may be provided for bending a crease of a sheet article along its crease.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2006Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: Bowe Bell & HowellInventors: Edward J. Kapturowski, Robert T. Snyder
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Patent number: 7663072Abstract: A delivery point packaging system and method of preparing and sorting mail pieces sorts, packages and assembles mail pieces into a predetermined delivery point order.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2003Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: Bowe Bell & Howell CompanyInventors: Walter S. Conard, Rich Wojdyla, Steve Archer, Brian Bowers, John Overman
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Patent number: 7659487Abstract: Today, high density mailings such as “marriage mail,” Advo type advertisements, saturation mail, periodicals, and catalogs often require manual handling by the postal authority. Other than saturation mailings, where every carrier stop gets the same article, these items must be addressed. Verification of production is often desired due to spoilage and damage during production, which requires rework by the mailer. The addition of a data controlled mail collation feeder to existing or new Postal Authority automation equipment or the like eliminates the need to manually handle these difficult mail types and eliminates the need to address specific items. The manual casing at the delivery is eliminated. The data processing system that controls the data controlled mail collation feeder will also perform delivery confirmation and may assess postage due.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2005Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Bowe Bell + Howell Postal Systems CompanyInventors: Walter S. Conard, Daniel J. Parenti, Richard J. Wojdyla
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Patent number: 7637490Abstract: Inserting systems and methods are provided for use in sheet processing. The inserting systems and methods provide improved handling of sheet articles during processing. Sheet articles can be advantageously and efficiently advanced in separate stacks and later combined for insertion into an envelope. For insertion into an envelope, the mouth of the envelope can be selectively variably opened depending upon the amount of insertion material to go into the envelope where the amount an envelope is to be opened can be based upon processing or job information. Sheet articles can be registered and aligned to facilitate processing efficiencies. Sheet articles with creases, such as envelopes with mouth flaps, can be processed through a roller system to bend the crease so that the flap of the envelope assumes a desired position for subsequent processing. Additionally, sheet articles can be processed through a staging station with increased capacity for sheet processing.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2006Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: Bowe Bell + Howell CompanyInventors: Edward J. Kapturowski, Robert T. Snyder, Chris Peterson, Richard D. Johnson, Joseph I. Zuech
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Publication number: 20090313182Abstract: The present teachings described herein pertain to mail preparation systems, and more specifically to the processing of mailings to obtain destination entry discounts. The teachings herein also pertain to the processing of mailings by various document processing systems, such as sorters, inserters or vision systems attached to document processing systems, to enable processing of mail articles to maximize destination entry discounts. Still further, the teachings pertain to schemes for the enablement of delivery and logistics information to be arranged respective to a mailing during mail processing to obtain destination entry discounts.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2009Publication date: December 17, 2009Applicant: BOWE BELL + HOWELL COMPANYInventors: Erik RUNSTROM, Walter S. Conard
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Patent number: 7631869Abstract: The present subject matter relates generally to a system and method for controlling functions in a mail sorting system based on gap length measurement and tracking. The system and method includes a plurality of sensors located along one or more mail piece transport paths. The sensors are used to collect data regarding the gap length between each mail piece transported through the system. The gap length data is processed and stored within a controller/processor that uses the gap lengths to control the operation of one or more devices within the mail sorting system. For example, the gap lengths may be used to control the operation of a diverter, a printer or any other electromechanical, hardware or software device. The gap lengths can be used to trigger and/or inhibit the operation of the one or more devices.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2007Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Assignee: Bowe Bell + Howell CompanyInventors: Brian Bowers, Christopher Crutchfield, Kenneth Yuen, Gary Van Ermen
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Patent number: 7607653Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for maintaining density and positioning of a grouped sheet articles, such as for feeding of sheet articles from or into the group. One or more pneumatic sensing systems can be used to monitor and control pressure of sheet articles within the group. Dynamic adjustment can be made to the density and position of the sheet articles in the group such as by controlling a motorized belt to move at least a portion of the group of sheet articles in response to an indication to do so from a controller in communication with the pneumatic sensor.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2006Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Assignee: Bowe Bell + Howell CompanyInventors: Frank Shinn, Edward J. Kapturowski, Walter S. Conard
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Patent number: 7607649Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for staging and processing documents including sheet articles, particularly for processing of sheet articles for mail processing. Different sets of pusher members for advancing document sets along a conveying path are used within the sheet processing machine. The action of the different sets of pusher members within the staging station permits a larger window and location to feed document sets into the staging station to increase processing efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2006Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Assignee: Bowe Bell + Howell CompanyInventors: Edward J. Kapturowski, Richard D. Johnson
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Patent number: 7498539Abstract: A modular bin or pocket has an integrated transport assembly and mail piece diverter assembly and is usable in a bin stacker section in mail handling and sorting systems. The modular bin is individually removable, interchangeable and replaceable from the bin stacker sections of the mail processing system to allow for repair or maintenance of malfunctioning bins leading to reduced down time of the mail processing system. The modular bin further enables vertical and/or horizontal progressive modularity, i.e., vertical and/or horizontal expansion, of the bin stacker sections of the mail processing system which allows for cost-effective expansion of mail handling systems. Further, there is disclosed a tray management system and a tier diverter system that are usable in mail handling systems that use the modular bin with double sided bin stacker sections or single sided bin stacker sections with or without a turnaround section.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2003Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: Bowe Bell & Howell CompanyInventors: Ed Svyatsky, Walter S. Conard, Tomasz Bednarek, John Overman, Tony Estis, Mike Stollenwerck, Manny Panopoulos, Richard Szewczyk