Abstract: A system for coordinating an operational speed of an envelope inserter receiving incoming packets containing a predetermined number of document pages with an interval of time required to generate each incoming packet. A printer generates the document pages within each of the packets and a computer coordinates the operational speed of the envelope inserter with the interval of time required by the printer to generate each incoming packet.

Abstract: A mail assembly system and method which utilizes non-print post processing data embedded within the mail statement print data of a data record to carry out post processing operations for a plurality of mailing pieces. The data record is provided to a printer system which sequentially outputs a plurality of printed mail statements according to the statement print data. A wedge or splitter device retrieves the post processing data from the print data stream, and provides the post processing data to a system controller computer. As each printed mail statement is transferred from the printer system to a post processing system, the post processing data for each mailing piece is correlated or matched with each mail statement, and post processing operations are accordingly carried out. The invention thus avoids the use of printed identification codes on mail statements or other control documents for accessing post processing data from a data record.

Abstract: A system and method for dynamic insertion of selected inserts into statements to be mailed in which post processing mail data, including selective insert parameters, are developed into a record for mail items and communicated directly to an integrated system controller, which then directs selective insertion of enclosures. The system comprises a mail item preparation apparatus interfaced with a data processor, an inserter apparatus, and an integrated system controller interfaced with the data processor and the inserter. The mail preparing apparatus generally includes a printer, and is mechanically interfaced with the inserter for transfer of mail items. The integrated system controller directs the inserter to selectively include inserts with the mail items according to insert parameter data received from the data processor.

Abstract: For use on a cyclically operating envelope inserter having a rotating member and a reciprocating member linked to the rotating member, a system for establishing an absolute reference point for timing a cycle of the apparatus that comprises an encoder for ascertaining rotational angle values for the rotating member linked to a detector for establishing for the reciprocating member a first reference point and a second reference point as the reciprocating member moves, wherein the first and second reference points are in terms of the ascertained rotational angle values. Additionally, a controller is provided that is responsive to the detector and encoder for determining from the first and the second reference points a rotational position for the absolute reference point.

Abstract: A system for marking an edge of a mailing piece with a desired indicia, thereby permits identification of the marked mailing piece when the marked mailing piece is stacked with other mailing pieces, usually similar mailing pieces. A computer directs which mailing piece is to be marked and activates the marking process. A group of computer controlled solenoids, with each solenoid linked to an indicia imprinting marking pad, is activated for the edge marking. Each activated solenoid forces the marking pad against the mailing piece's edge thereby marking the edge of the mailing piece.

Abstract: For use with a mailing packet assembling apparatus that creates a mailing packet from items comprised of machine readable indicia encoded forms and machine readable indicia encoded envelopes that are transferred into the assembling apparatus, a verification system for determining that the correct items are transferred for assembly into the mailing packet. The system has a data base with information on the items within the mailing packet, thereby establishing which forms and envelopes are required in the assembled mailing packet, a plurality of dynamically controlled detectors for identifying the indicia on each form and on each envelope, and a computer for verifying that the data base information and the dynamically detected form and envelope indicia correctly correspond or do not correctly correspond to the desired mailing packet and, if correct, direct the mailing packet to be assembled.