Abstract: A communication terminal acquires an email, when an instruction to generate a memorandum is detected, specifies a character string associated with a predetermined attribute (a date and time, place, and person etc.), selects an input candidate from the specified character string and presents the selected candidate. For example, when a receive time of the email is “March 10th,” and the email includes the character string “next day” in the text, the communication terminal presents the character string “March 11th” as an input candidate.

Abstract: A gear unit 40 includes: a sprocket 32 including pins 31 provided on a periphery thereof and a final gear 42; and one or more transmission gears disposed between a drive motor 33 and the final gear 42. The pins 31 engage with feed holes provided at equal pitches in a carrier tape. A sensor 48 which detects an angle is provided to face a transmission gear, of the one or more transmission gears, of which a rotation ratio to the final gear 42 is 1:N (N is a positive integer).

Abstract: A method for sorting mail pieces includes the steps of loading mail pieces to be sorted into individual holders, sorting the holders using an automated system that stores and reorders the holders so that the holders are ordered according to a sort scheme for the mail pieces, storing the sorted holders in a storage area during sorting, and then unloading the mail pieces from the holders in order according to the sort scheme. The storage step occurs during sorting in the sense that a series of reordered holders is gradually created in one of a variety ways by the sorting process, and a storage area is provided for this purpose. Preferably the method further includes steps of unloading the sorted holders from the storage area and transporting the holders to an unloading station at which the unloading step is carried out.

Abstract: A method and device for processing and transporting items, particularly mail items, measure a processing attribute for each item. A value which each predefined feature assumes for the item is measured. A data record for the item is generated including the measured feature values and the measured processing attribute value. The item is transferred into an intermediate storage device, into a transport device and to a processing system. After reaching the processing system, a value is newly measured which each predefined feature assumes for this item. The data record generated for this item is determined using the feature values from the new measurement. If this item has an identification read clearly during the new measurement, the data record is determined based on this identification. Otherwise, a search with a restricted search space is executed. The processing system processes the item using the processing attribute value in the determined data record.

Abstract: A method of sorting mailpieces, in which the mailpieces are sorted automatically in a sorting system with a view to being delivered to a recipient by a mail carrier, and are fed back into a sorting machine for additional sorting in order to re-sequence the mailpieces in a certain classification established by the recipient.

Abstract: A device and method for sequencing trays includes a tray receiving conveyor and a recirculating conveyor. Trays are placed on the recirculating conveyor and merged with ejected trays into a multiple of sequenced trays at one or more merge locations. The system can include more than one merge location, with one of the merge locations providing a merge of trays into a contiguous sequence of trays.

Abstract: A method and system for mail run balancing of critical documents on a sorter machine that comingles both critical and non-critical documents. A plan identifying a set of critical documents to be processed as part of a mail run is received at the sorter. The plan includes an individual identifier code for each critical document. Sets of critical and non-critical documents are sorted as part of the comingled mail run. A camera scans the documents for the individual identifier codes on the critical documents during sorting. The camera captures an image of the scanned critical documents. A list of scanned individual identifier codes of sorted critical documents is stored for later use, along with the captured images of the documents. The list of scanned individual identifier codes is compared to the identifier codes of the critical documents in the plan.

Abstract: Methods and systems that detect a package type of a package deposited within a logistics receptacle having an entrance chute that receives the package, an image sensor within the entrance chute, and an interaction sensor. The interaction sensor detects when the package is provided to the receptacle. After detection, the image sensor is activated to capture an image corresponding to at least a part of one side of the package. The image is processed to determine a pattern match related to the package type, and the package's type is identified based upon the determined pattern match. The system may also include a dispatch type of server notified with a pickup request from the receptacle. The server may update analytics information related to the receptacle, determine a future pickup schedule for the receptacle based upon the updated analytics information, and transmit a schedule update message based upon the future schedule.

Abstract: A postal sorting method in which mailpieces are subjected to at least two sorting passes in a machine so as to be sequenced in sorting outlets of the machine, and user processing information (PF) is available in the machine during a first sorting pass in relation to at least a certain mailpiece, is characterized in that it includes a step consisting, in a memory, in associating said user processing information with a graphical signature of the mailpiece that is representative of an image of the mailpiece, and in recovering (32, 33), during the second machine sorting pass of said certain mailpiece, said user processing information that is associated with it on the basis of matching of graphical signatures using a certain resemblance criterion.

Abstract: An enhanced postal data modeling framework, in which postal data which describes characteristics of a mail sortation process is accessed, and the postal data is mapped to production management data which describes characteristics of a model production management process in an initial state and which is capable of being processed by a production management application. The production management data is input for processing by the production management application to produce forecasted production management data which predicts characteristics of the model production management process in a subsequent state, the forecasted production management data is modeled to forecasted postal data which predicts characteristics of the mail sortation process, and at least a portion of the forecasted postal data is provided to a user.

Abstract: A nontransitory computer readable medium having stored thereon software instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform operations. The operations can include intercepting a request for manual processing of a mail piece image. The request can be transmitted by an originating MPE having failed to resolve the mail piece image. The request can be ignored and the mail piece scan image can be forwarded to an automated mail recognition system (AMRS). If the AMRS successfully resolved the image, a response, including a plurality of addressing data corresponding to the mail piece scan image, can be received from the AMRS. If the AMRS successfully resolved the image, at least a portion of the plurality of addressing data can be transmitted to the originating MPE. If the AMRS did not successfully resolve the image, the request can be forwarded to a manual mail recognition processing system.

Abstract: A sorting machine at least for flat postal items comprises a stacking module having a plurality of stacking stations, which define respective channels along which the postal products are carried and a first plurality of rollers for handling the postal products along the stacking stations, a first carrying assembly defining a second channel configured for carrying the postal products towards the stacking module and comprising a second plurality of rollers for carrying the postal products, a plurality of deviating assemblies, each of which comprises a first device selectively mobile for deviating a flat into the channel of the desired stacking station, and a second carrying assembly delimiting an outlet channel communicating with the plurality of stacking stations, wherein at least one of the first and second rollers is mobile transversely with respect to the direction of conveyance of the postal products on the machine.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing mail sorting equipment based upon various commingled data files and user selected options includes a sorter, an optimizing system, and a computer for optimizing the sort plan based upon the data files and user settings.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a facility wide sorting and/or sequencing system for improving product processing operations and, more particularly, to a facility wide system and related functionality for simultaneously sorting and sequencing mixed mail pieces such as, for example, flats and letter mail pieces. The flats and letter mail pieces are placed in frames so that all types of mail pieces can be sorted and/or sequenced simultaneously through merging and diverting a stream of filled trays into and out of different streams at a full or substantially full transport speed.

Abstract: Systems and methods using intelligent barcodes for processing mail, packages, or other items in transport are provided. Systems and methods allowing end-to-end visibility of a mail stream by identifying and tracking mail pieces are also provided. Systems and methods include the use of standardized intelligent barcodes on mail pieces, a seamless process for mail acceptance, continuous mail piece tracking, and feedback on mail quality in real time. Systems and methods can use intelligent barcodes allow a mailing service to provide enhanced acceptance, sorting, tracking, address correction, forwarding, and delivery services. Systems and methods can use intelligent barcodes allow a mailing service to identify a mail piece as undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) and determine a final disposition for the mail piece. Systems and methods can use intelligent barcodes allow mailers more visibility into the mail stream and information on the quality of their mailings.

Abstract: Systems and methods using intelligent barcodes for processing mail, packages, or other items in transport are provided. Systems and methods allowing end-to-end visibility of a mail stream by uniquely identifying and tracking mail pieces are also provided. Systems and methods include the use of standardized intelligent barcodes on mail pieces, a seamless process for mail acceptance, continuous mail piece tracking, and feedback on mail quality in real time. In one embodiment, systems and methods using intelligent barcodes allow a mailing service to provide enhanced acceptance, sorting, tracking, address correction, forwarding, and delivery services. In another embodiment, systems and methods using intelligent barcodes allow a mailing service to identify a mail piece as undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) and determine a final disposition for the mail piece.

Abstract: A stacking assembly is operative to protect stacked mailpieces from damage due to abrasion. The stacking assembly includes a support blade moveably mounted to a bin for accepting a stack of mailpieces and an ingestion assembly including a Leading Edge (LE) urge roller and Trailing Edge (TE) alignment device. The LE urge roller is operative to accept mailpieces from a supply of mailpieces, and urge a leading edge portion thereof toward a sidewall of the stacking bin. The TE alignment device includes a first cam driven about an axis of rotation by a digital rotary positioning device which cam defines a surface operative to urge the trailing edge portion of each mailpiece into parallel alignment with the support blade. The stacking assembly also includes an anti-abrasion linkage responsive to rotation of the digital rotary positioning device to forcibly displace a surface of the stacked mailpieces away from a moving surface of the ingestion assembly.

Abstract: A system and method for providing intelligent mail recovery are provided. A cart for receiving a bucket containing mail items provide a camera and scale on a frame for detecting movement of mail items and determining destination as well as an associated weight of the mail item. An indicator is provided to an operator of the system as to the destination of the mail item. The mail item can then be sorted to the appropriate sort location. The system provides the ability to efficiently sort mail in addition to being portable within a sorting facility.

Abstract: Processing and tracking of individual mail items processed through a document processing system such as a sorter or inserter utilize a mail item identifier that is unique with respect to each individual mail item. A mail item may have a postal authority approved code representing or containing its associated unique identifier. If not, an identifier is generated and a corresponding postal authority approved code is applied to the mail item. Processing entails associating the unique mail item identifier for each respective mail item with collected metadata for the respective mail item and storing the identifier and associated the metadata. In a sorter example, each mail item is sorted into a postal sort group, and the processing entails identifying the sort group to which each item is sorted and storing the identified sort in association with the unique mail item identifier.

Abstract: A device for sorting out individual address mail from a presorted route order mail stack including a device with a mail receiving receptacle, a conveyor for transferring mail through the machine, a reader and control for reading the bar code and mail address, and a mail delivery receptacle. When mail is added to the mail receiving receptacle the machine conveys only the mail for one address to the mail delivery receptacle and then stops until the mail delivery receptacle is clear. The machine uses the mail bar code and displays the address to the mail carrier for confirmation of the matching addresses for all of the mail to be delivered.

Abstract: A mail sortation system that can process mail, either letter or flat, from random order to delivery point sequence (DPS) order, in a single sortation pass. The system has a first sortation assembly comprising a plurality of individual open-topped receptacles into which mail is received, each receptacle having a trap door for selectively dumping its contents. A second sortation assembly comprises a linearly-translating conveyor positioned beneath the first sortation assembly, and an open topped bin travels along the conveyor to gather mail from the first assembly in a DPS sequence. A third sortation assembly comprises a linearly-translating conveyor arranged parallel to and directly beneath the second sortation assembly, and a plurality of mail bins mounted atop for receiving DPS-sorted batches from the second assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, media and code for routing a mail item part are provided. A receiver may receive an image of the mail item part. A processor may decompose a segment of the mail item part into a string vector; quantify a first closeness between the string vector and a first library vector that corresponds to a first mail item part destination; and quantify a second closeness between the string vector and a second library vector that corresponds to a second mail item part destination; and link to the image routing information to route the mail item part to that of the first and second mail item part destinations that corresponds to the greatest of the first and second closeness. A transmitter may transmit the image to that of the first and second mail item part destinations that corresponds to the greatest of the first and second closeness.

Abstract: An automated letter movement system comprising: postal item processing lines adapted to receive incoming postal items; SSM devices configured to receive at input postal items from at least one postal item processing line and adapted to group the postal items forming shingled groups of partially overlapping postal items; a transportation system adapted to move the shingled groups generated by the SSM devices along a feed direction; postal item output processing lines adapted to carry out the sorting of the postal items fed into it; singulator models receiving the shingled groups arriving from said transportation system, each singulator module being configured to only singularize the postal items belonging to a specific group and to send the singularized postal items to a postal item output processing line configured to implement a sorting program for the postal items subjected to singularization.

Abstract: Systems and methods using intelligent barcodes for processing mail, packages, or other items in transport are provided. Systems and methods allowing end-to-end visibility of a mail stream by uniquely identifying and tracking mail pieces are also provided. Systems and methods include the use of standardized intelligent barcodes on mail pieces, a seamless process for mail acceptance, continuous mail piece tracking, and feedback on mail quality in real time. In one embodiment, systems and methods using intelligent barcodes allow a mailing service to provide enhanced acceptance, sorting, tracking, address correction, forwarding, and delivery services. In another embodiment, systems and methods using intelligent barcodes allow a mailing service to identify a mail piece as undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) and determine a final disposition for the mail piece.

Abstract: A holder for flat objects according the invention includes an endless belt made of a flexible sheet material, wherein an end portion of the belt is folded into itself forming an inner bend and an outer bend with the inner bend disposed inside of the outer bend. A set of first and second support rods are disposed side by side in parallel to each other, the first rod at the bottom of the inner bend and the second rod at the bottom of the outer bend. A pair of third and fourth rods extend through parallel endwise openings in the belt between the inner and outer bends, which third and fourth rods are disposed side by side in parallel to each other with the belt is wound over the third and fourth rods so that the belt can slide over the third and fourth rods, whereby movement of the first rod away from the second rod causes sliding movement of the belt over the third and fourth rods. In a preferred embodiment an inside surface of the belt is attached to one or both of the first and second rods.

Abstract: A sorting system for postal mail has a plurality of input sections capable of operating in parallel, each including a feeder that takes in mail pieces one at a time and a scanner that scans each mail piece for destination indicia. The system further includes a plurality of stackers each comprising at least one row of pockets in which mail is stacked, and a routing section or switch network effective to route mail in accordance with a sort scheme from any input section to any pocket of a stacker. The routing section uses diverts and merges so that mail can be conveyed to each stacker in accordance with a sort scheme implemented by a control system.

Abstract: A method is specified for sorting flat mail items, which allows sorting according to delivery order to be carried out swiftly and reliably. With the method a first sorting pass is carried out in a first segment with at least N storage modules of a sorting device and a second sorting pass is then carried out in a second segment with at least N storage modules of the sorting device. The overflow items, which are assigned to a storage module that has been closed because it is full, are deposited into one of the other storage modules in the first sorting pass and are included in the sorting process of the second sorting pass.

Abstract: An Escort-Based Sorting (EBS) mail sorting and distribution center system configured and controlled for optimum mail flow and dispatch, minimal sorting center space usage, and elimination of peripheral storage and retrieval equipment. A plurality of input stations each include a mechanism for loading mailpieces and obtaining mailpiece data. A plurality of sorting banks each having a plurality of sorting modules, each sorting module adapted for the face-to-face conveyance of mailpieces for sorting by transferring select mailpieces from a first to a second conveyance path. The sorting modules define at least one row and a plurality tiers operatively coupled by a plurality of elevators. The elevators move mailpieces to and from tiers of the respective sorting bank. A system controller, operatively coupled to the input stations, sorting banks, and elevators, creates an association between the mailpiece information and the escort device, and sorts and dispatches mailpieces according to a dispatch schedule.

Abstract: A document sorting machine having dual feeders which feed documents onto common tiers of sort pockets form each end of the machine. The machine includes an induction buffer section which prevents a document already in the transport on a particular tier from colliding with a document being fed into the same transport by a different feeder. Also, the machine includes a serpentine piggy-back unit which can stack consecutive documents going to the same sort pocket.

Abstract: For preparing a series of mail pieces using a mail preparation apparatus, a scanner (63) scans at least a portion of a first postal item (20, 25) and generates signals in accordance with scanned patterns. A control system (31) processes the signals from the scanner into image data representing an image and compares the image data with reference data, which represent features of optical marks of a particular type that are associated to predetermined instructions for processing postal items (20, 25). If at least a predetermined extent of agreement between the image data and the reference data is found, a job setting including scanning of optical marks from further postal items (20, 25) and controlling the preparation of the mail pieces in accordance with instructions represented by the optical marks is selected. Otherwise, a job setting not including scanning of optical marks from further postal items (20, 25) is selected.

Abstract: A divert assembly is described for a mailpiece sorter operative to sort mailpieces into one of a plurality of sortation bins. The divert assembly comprising a re-direct mechanism for selectively re-directing mailpieces travelling along a feed path into the sortation bin and causing each selected mailpiece to be re-directed at an angle relative to the stack of mailpieces to be accumulated in the sortation bin. The divert assembly also including a stacking assembly including a Leading Edge (LE) urge roller, a support blade, and a Trailing Edge (TE) alignment device. The LE urge roller accepts and urges each of the selected mailpieces toward a sidewall of the sortation bin while the support blade holds each of the selected mailpieces between the urge roller and the support blade and in an on-edge parallel relationship relative thereto. The support blade is moveably mounted relative to the LE urge roller to allow the accumulation of additional mailpieces between the LE urge roller and the support blade.

Abstract: The present application relates to a method and system for mail item processing. More particularly, the present application relates to a method and system alerting document processing operators when all mail items have reached a designated bin in order to improve accuracy and efficiency during document processing as well as improving the overall efficiency of the document processing facility.

Abstract: A system, method, and software (1600) are for moving inventory items (1610) to an unloading station (1640) in response to a fulfillment order. An input device (1620) is used to enter identification information about the inventory items. At a loading station (1615), the inventory items are received and loaded into holders (1605). The holders are then moved to storage area (1630). A controller (1625) is configured for creating and storing a first association between the entered identification information and each of the holders in which each of the inventory items is placed. A selector and transporter (1635) are responsive to the fulfillment order and the first association, and are configured to select a holder which holds the inventory items corresponding to the fulfillment order, and configured to transport the holder from the storage area to the unloading station (1640).

Abstract: Any of various types of mail management information may be synthesized from data associated with physical mail items. For example, addresses, complete with addressee names, could be synthesized from data collected from physical mail items. Confidence information which indicates a measure of confidence that each synthesized address is a valid address could also be generated from the collected data. Intelligence functions may be provided to enhance address synthesis capabilities. More generally, input data for synthesis of mail management information could include data collected from physical mail items, other mail management information, or both. Features such as service delivery compliance management, network proficiency management, delivery route proficiency management, customer compliance management, a visibility service, address cleansing, delivery notification, addressee verification, synthesis of statistics, and/or synthesis of behavioral patterns could be implemented.

Abstract: A stacking assembly is operative to protect stacked mailpieces from damage due to abrasion. The stacking assembly includes a support blade moveably mounted to a bin for accepting a stack of mailpieces and an ingestion assembly including a Leading Edge (LE) urge roller and Trailing Edge (TE) alignment device. The LE urge roller is operative to accept mailpieces from a supply of mailpieces, and urge a leading edge portion thereof toward a sidewall of the stacking bin. The TE alignment device includes a first cam driven about an axis of rotation by a digital rotary positioning device which cam defines a surface operative to urge the trailing edge portion of each mailpiece into parallel alignment with the support blade. The stacking assembly also includes an anti-abrasion linkage responsive to rotation of the digital rotary positioning device to forcibly displace a surface of the stacked mailpieces away from a moving surface of the ingestion assembly.

Abstract: A divert assembly is described for a mailpiece sorter operative to sort mailpieces into one of a plurality of sortation bins. The divert assembly comprising a re-direct mechanism for selectively re-directing mailpieces travelling along a feed path into the sortation bin and causing each selected mailpiece to be re-directed at an angle relative to the stack of mailpieces to be accumulated in the sortation bin. The divert assembly also including a stacking assembly including a Leading Edge (LE) urge roller, a support blade, and a Trailing Edge (TE) alignment device. The LE urge roller accepts and urges each of the selected mailpieces toward a sidewall of the sortation bin while the support blade holds each of the selected mailpieces between the urge roller and the support blade and in an on-edge parallel relationship relative thereto. The support blade is moveably mounted relative to the LE urge roller to allow the accumulation of additional mailpieces between the LE urge roller and the support blade.

Abstract: In a method of sorting mailpieces, in which method the mailpieces sorted into the sorting outlets of a postal sorting machine are transferred from said sorting outlets to an unstacker magazine of the machine, or to an unstacker magazine of another sorting machine for the purpose of being sorted again into sorting outlets, said mailpieces are handled by means of shuttle trays of variable storage capacity for the purpose of transferring them from the sorting outlets to the unstacker magazine.

Abstract: An ID barcode printing section 13 prints IDs for identifying arrived mails. An address recognition section 21 recognizes address information for the primary sorting and the secondary sorting from the address images photographed by an image input section 14 for saving in an ID database 25. Based on the recognized primary sorting address information, the sorting control section 15 sorts the mails in a sorting box 16, 17 that corresponds to a secondary sorting post office 30. Upon filling up the sorting boxes 16, 17, the mails therein are transferred to a transportation medium. An ID writing section 18 writes secondary sorting address information of the mails in the transportation medium that is read from an ID database 25 for recording on the transportation medium.

Abstract: Provided is a mail sorting system including: a detection unit configured to output a detection signal for a length of a mail inserted to a conveyor belt; a crossbelt driving unit configured to control a motor interworking with a crossbelt including a central region and first and second lateral regions adjacent to both sides based on the central region where the mail is moved and arranged from the conveyor belt; and a control unit configured to transmit a motor control signal which controls at least one of an rpm and a rotational speed of the motor so that the mail is arranged on any one of the central region and the first and second lateral regions based on the detection signal, to the crossbelt driving unit, in order to easily discharge the mail from a destination discharge point by disposing the inserted mail at a setting region of the crossbelt.

Abstract: A computerized method includes sorting mail that comprises a multiple pass mail sort operation, wherein the multiple pass mail sort operation for a mail piece that is undeliverable as addressed comprises performing a first pass of the multiple pass mail sort operation, wherein performing the first pass comprises capturing data to identify a feature of the mail piece. The multiple pass mail sort operation also includes generating a first fingerprint for the mail piece between performing the first pass and performing a second pass of the multiple pass mail sort operation. The multiple pass mail sort operation also includes performing the second pass of the multiple pass mail sort operation. Performing the second pass includes determining a final disposition of the mail piece that is undeliverable as addressed.

Abstract: A system and method of operation for proactively grouping disparate mail items that are queued to be produced in a processing facility, wherein the system and method utilize a manufacturing completion schedule for virtually grouping the mail items before physical production occurs and the system and method maximizes profitability by discounting the mail items by applying appropriate discount mailing regulations for virtually grouping the mail items before physical production occurs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of optimizing a process for handling mail, which method comprises the following steps: subjecting mailpieces to a first machine-sorting cycle in which a plurality of first sorting outlets are allocated to respective ones of a plurality of first delivery destinations having high rates of filling and one other sorting outlet is allocated to second delivery destinations having low rates of filling; directing separators to the first sorting outlets; re-circulating the mailpieces coming from the other sorting outlet; and subjecting them to a second sorting cycle in which the first sorting outlets are allocated to the second delivery destinations. If the sorting outlets use storage bins, at the end of the second sorting cycle, the mailpieces of a first destination and the mailpieces of a second destination are sorted in layers in the same bin by being separated by a separator.

Abstract: A device for sorting out individual address mail from a presorted route order mail stack including a device with a mail receiving receptacle, a conveyor for transferring mail through the machine, a reader and control for reading the bar code and mail address, and a mail delivery receptacle. When mail is added to the mail receiving receptacle the machine conveys only the mail for one address to the mail delivery receptacle and then stops until the mail delivery receptacle is clear. The machine uses the mail bar code and displays the address to the mail carrier for confirmation of the matching addresses for all of the mail to be delivered.

Abstract: A method of mail sorting according to the invention includes the steps of sorting a batch of mail addressed to recipients in a common postal delivery zone with an automated single pass mail sorting machine into groups wherein the mail pieces in each group have a common delivery destination, transporting the groups of sorted mail using an automated conveying system to a delivery point packaging machine, and then packaging the groups of mail pieces with the delivery point packaging machine. Such a method is preferably part of a single pass sorting process wherein a batch of starting mail destined to a common zone is sorted into groups of mail for each destination that are then brought to the delivery point packaging machine in carrier delivery order.

Abstract: A route enhanced mail sorting and dispatch system and method sorts mail based on carrier route and then arranges the mail into delivery point order in a single pass that accommodates both letter and flat format mail. Mail sorting based on carrier routes and arrangement into delivery point order is achieved through a plurality of route enhanced dispatch modules. Each dispatch module has upper and lower helical mail conveyors. The lower helical mail conveyor is linearly translatable and can moved to a plurality of positions. Mail sorted based on carrier route is held in the upper helical mail conveyor before being placed or dropped into an allocated position in the lower helical mail conveyor by a put away shuttle. The lower helical mail conveyor can then be rotated to dispatch the mail in delivery point order.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a machine-readable medium including instructions which when executed by a machine causes the machine to perform operations. The operations include sorting mail. The sorting of the mail includes reading an encoded value located on the mail piece. The sorting of the mail includes decoding the encoded value to determine a delivery point for the mail piece, an identification of a sender of the mail piece, an identification of a recipient of the mail piece, an identification of a class of the mail piece and an identification of a service type of the mail piece. The sorting of the mail includes determining whether the mail piece is a candidate undeliverable as addressed mail piece using the identification of the recipient of the mail piece within the encoded value and the identification of a delivery point for the mail piece within the encoded value.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods consistent with the present invention provide for identifying and processing mail using an identification code on a mailpiece as a redundant source of identification information in a mail sorting system. In one embodiment, this information is stored in a temporary database and used for the identification and processing of mail in a Remote Bar Code System (RBCS). In this embodiment, the identification code enables the automation of mail sorting and other processing tasks, reducing costs and delays in mail delivery services. In another embodiment, the identification and processing of mail occurs in and identification Code Sorting (ICS) system. In this embodiment, a long-term database allows for mail sorting and other processing tasks on a national or global level.

Abstract: A method including treating packs of overlapping postal objects for generating singulated postal objects, directing each postal object towards a respective outlet selected from among a number n of selectable outlets. The method includes performing a first sorting step, accumulating, within an i-th selected outlet, postal objects belonging to K subgroups having homogeneous delivery points, and carrying out a step of re-processing the previously sorted postal objects, whereby the postal objects taken from the outlets are treated for forming ordered sets of postal objects, each set comprising the postal objects belonging to a respective homogeneous subgroup and being formed by postal objects ordered according to successive delivery points; and performing a second step of sorting ordered sets, on the basis of which the postal objects that have corresponding positions within each subgroup are sent to the respective outlets. The objects are accumulated according to successive delivery points in the outlets.

Abstract: A sorting outlet device including a support surface on which a stack of flat articles is formed by accumulation as the flat articles are inserted, accumulated, and pushed on-edge one-by-one in a main direction against a retaining element for retaining the stack, which element is provided at the front end of the stack. The support surface is mounted to be free to move in translation in the main direction, being moved synchronously with the movement of the retaining element in the main direction. The retaining element is also mounted to move relative to the frame under the effect of accumulation of said articles and associated with means of the winder or counter weight type arranged so as to exert a return force on the stack of flat articles in such a manner as to retain it. A postal sorting machine is equipped with at least one such stacker device.

Abstract: Systems and methods using intelligent barcodes for processing mail, packages, or other items in transport are provided. Systems and methods allowing end-to-end visibility of a mail stream by uniquely identifying and tracking mail pieces are also provided. Systems and methods include the use of standardized intelligent barcodes on mail pieces, a seamless process for mail acceptance, continuous mail piece tracking, and feedback on mail quality in real time. In one embodiment, systems and methods using intelligent barcodes allow a mailing service to provide enhanced acceptance, sorting, tracking, address correction, forwarding, and delivery services. In another embodiment, systems and methods using intelligent barcodes allow a mailing service to identify a mail piece as undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) and determine a final disposition for the mail piece.