Abstract: This mail-handling apparatus includes a feed module for feeding in mail items, a weigh module and a franking module. The weigh module includes regulator means for regulating the speed of advance of the conveyor means of the weigh module, which regulator means are adapted to take account of the weighing times taken to weigh the mail items.

Abstract: A method of checking the height of a mail item relative to at least one dimensional threshold SH defining a change in postage. The mail items are advanced at a constant speed V along a reference surface. The presence of a mail item is detected relative to a given point of the reference surface. First and second times t1, t2 for which the same mail item is present at the first and second distances d1, d2 relative to the reference surface is detected. The ratio t2/t1 is compared with a value equal to (1??), where ? represents a correction coefficient of less than 1 that depends on the tolerances for detection of the presence of a mail item. The height of a mail item is considered greater than the dimensional threshold SH if, and only if, the relationship t2/t1>1?? is true.

Abstract: A weighing module comprising a weighing platform incorporating a weighing cell and a motorized drive belt for transporting a mail item from one side to the other of the weighing platform, means for sensing the format of said mail item and processing means for calculating the weight of said mail item within a particular range of weights obtained beforehand from said format.

Abstract: A method of checking the height Hi of a mail item on the fly relative to at least one dimensional threshold SH defining a change in postage, each mail item having longitudinal peripheral edges of length Di and transverse peripheral edges of height Hi, the method consisting in causing the mail items to advance at a constant speed V along a reference surface so that each mail item is in contact with the reference surface over at least a portion of one of its longitudinal edges, the method further consisting in detecting the presence of a mail item relative to a given point of the reference surface firstly at a first distance d1 close to the reference surface and measured perpendicularly thereto, and secondly at a second distance d2 further away from the reference surface, measured perpendicularly thereto, and corresponding to said dimensional threshold SH, the method further consisting in detecting first and second times of presence t1, t2 for which the same mail item is present at the first and second distance

Abstract: This mail-handling apparatus includes a feed module for feeding in mail items, a weigh module and a franking module. The weigh module includes regulator means for regulating the speed of advance of the conveyor means of the weigh module, which regulator means are adapted to take account of the weighing times taken to weigh the mail items.

Abstract: A weighing module comprising a weighing platform incorporating a weighing cell and a motorized drive belt for transporting a mail item from one side to the other of the weighing platform, means for sensing the format of said mail item and processing means for calculating the weight of said mail item within a particular range of weights obtained beforehand from said format.