Abstract: This invention relates to the classification of a stream of documents, such as mixed mail pieces, into size and orientation of categories for subsequent processing. The apparatus includes a laser beam which scans a conveying belt upon which the documents are placed. Appropriate circuitry is provided so that a determination may be made as to the length and width of the document being conveyed across the belt. Downstream from the belt is a segregation system in which the various sizes of documents are segregated according to size in response to the determination of the circuitry.

Abstract: A label printing apparatus includes a main frame, a drum housing pivotably mounted in the main frame, and a printing drum, mounted in the drum housing, which comprises a plurality of discs each having a series of die groupings about its periphery as well as a groove associated with each die grouping. An assembly for setting each disc to place a selected die grouping in printing position and for simultaneously shifting all of the discs to shift each set die grouping from a first to a second character printing position comprises a spur gear mounted for reciprocation in the direction of the printing drum axis and for rotation to selectively engage each disc and to disengage from all discs. A locking bar, having a notch, is linked to the spur gear to reciprocate with it and position the notch in alignment with the disc engaged by the spur gear. The remainder of the bar projects into a groove in each of all other discs to hold them against rotation during the setting operation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for printing a scannable bar code pattern is described. A high speed bar code printer produces a line spacing distance to a preselected value so that a plurality of identical horizontal lines of vertically oriented code bars may be printed in vertical overlapped relation so as to form a single vertically heightened bar code. This taller bar code pattern is more easily and efficiently scanned with the optical read head.

Abstract: A method and device for handling an endless, flexible, articulated belt of photoconductive material. The belt is continuously moving, and a housing is provided to store the greater portion of the belt which is not being run through copier machinery. A pair of feed rollers feeds a quantity of belt material returning from the copier machine to the housing, and a pair of dispensing rollers are synchronized with the feed rollers so as to eject a like quantity of belt material to the copier. Therefore, although the portion of the belt within the housing is continuously changing, the unit mass of material within the housing remains substantially constant. The photoconductive belt is uniquely fan-folded within the housing to provide a compact bundle of material, and the bundle is made to reciprocally translate within the housing, as the belt is fed to, and dispensed from, the housing.