Abstract: The invention relates to a device that is provided with a pressing and applying drum (17) which is driven during start-stop operation in a controlled manner and is used for applying the labels (16) to flat objects (20) which are transported along a conveying path. The aim of the invention is to transport said objects (20) past the pressing and applying drum. Said drum is provided with a first casing region (23) which receives labels and has a circular bend. The centre of the circle is situated within the rotational axis. The drum is also provided with a second casing region (24). The surface of said second casing region is displaced towards the inside to such an extend that the second casing region (24) cannot touch the objects in a disturbing manner. The two casing regions (23, 24) are connected to one another by means of transition areas (25).

Abstract: The present invention comprises a system and method for detecting overlapping mail pieces wherein a lead mail piece edge is diverted from the regular conveyance and a light barrier is used to detect if another mail piece follows. Specifically, the diverted mail piece may break or interrupt a light barrier thereby triggering a counter which determines the time between the interruption and subsequent interruption. If the time is less than that required for the diverted mail piece to pass the light barrier, then an overlapping mail piece is present.