On Mail Patents (Class 209/584)
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Patent number: 7847206Abstract: Improvements are disclosed for further processing of a mail piece initially rejected from an automatic sorting machine. In the case of a window envelope, the envelope is rotated or inverted, shaken, and rotated to reposition the insert. Address recognition is repeated, and additional techniques are applied if an address is not quickly resolved. Additional processing may be carried out on a reject processing machine.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2008Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: RAF Technology, Inc.Inventor: William R Brandt
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Publication number: 20100293111Abstract: The present application generally relates to mail processing equipment and techniques. More specifically, the present application relates to a mail processing system and related method for transporting and imaging addressed mail pieces of a mailing to qualify the mailing for postage discounts. An address analysis component of the mail processing system compares the address included on a respective mail piece to postal authority standards for compliance with requirements for discounted postage based on pre-sort rules. A postage metering component prints the discounted postage indicia and a printing component prints delivery point barcodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2010Publication date: November 18, 2010Inventors: Mark VAN GORP, Walter S. Conard, Rima Franklin, Mark Woolston
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Patent number: 7834289Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for processing a mailing including one or more mail pieces. The exemplary systems and method include capturing address data, addressee data, or address and addressee data associated with each respective mail piece of the mailing. A delivery point address code and a unique identifier are determined for the respective mail piece based at least in part on the captured address data, addressee data, or address and addressee data. In addition, a machine readable code is generated comprising at least a mailer identifier for the mailing and the unique identifier. The machine readable code is then printed on the respective mail piece. Also disclosed are exemplary systems and methods for retrieving a delivery point address code from a move data file. A machine readable code is generated from the delivery point address code and a unique identifier, and is printed on the mail piece.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2007Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Bowe Bell & Howell CompanyInventors: Wayne Henry Orbke, John Sadler, William Andrew Grady, Richard Wojdyla, Walter S. Conard
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Patent number: 7820932Abstract: A sorter, method, and software product are used for sorting objects into a sequence of destination addresses, in at most a single pass through the sorter. In a first stage of the single pass through the sorter, the objects are sorted into a plurality of batches corresponding to groups of the destination addresses. The batches are then eventually advanced from the first stage to a second stage of the single pass through the sorter. During that second stage, objects in each of the batches are sorted into the sequence of destination addresses.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2006Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventor: Denis J. Stemmle
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Patent number: 7816617Abstract: A method includes deducting selected ones of a plurality of products from a first sorting and/or sequencing system to a conveying system, and determining data including at least one of: a predicted position of each of the selected ones of the plurality of products within the conveying system, and speed and direction of conveyors of the conveying system. The method also includes controlling movement of the selected ones of the plurality of products through the conveying system by controlling speed and direction of the conveyors based upon the determined data, and inducting the selected ones of the plurality of products onto a second sorting and/or sequencing system.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2007Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Brian Bennett, John Nasakaitis, Eric Eaton, Jean-Paul Laplante
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Patent number: 7813524Abstract: A method for processing mailings comprising wrong recipient addresses, according to which the wrong recipient address is determined from a detected copy of a mailing surface. The inventive method is characterized in that a) a code containing data on instructions given ahead of time is detected on the surface of the mailing, and the instructions that were given ahead of time are determined based on the detected code; b) the wrong address is compared to address data in at least one database selected among a plurality of databases in accordance with the instructions that were given ahead of time; and c) a pieced of forwarding data is applied to the mailings in accordance with the result of the comparison and the instructions given ahead of time.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2005Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Deutsche Post AGInventors: Stefan Keller, Jens Terboven
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Patent number: 7813833Abstract: A system for automatic preparation of mail pieces for special service mailing has a transport device for transporting a series of mail pieces such as envelopes one-by-one in a first path, each envelope having imprinted information. A scanner in the first path reads predetermined information off each envelope. Return receipts are simultaneously fed in a second path past at least one printer, the second path joining the first path at a junction after the printer. The scanner is linked directly to the printer so that the information read from an envelope is immediately applied by the printer to the return receipt, and the prepared return receipt is then secured to the envelope.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2005Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Walz Certified Mail Solutions, Inc.Inventor: Charles Felix Harvey McNairy
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Patent number: 7809158Abstract: A system for detection of doubles in a stream of flat items such as mail pieces being conveyed on a conveyor includes an electronic imaging camera positioned to receive an image of a side face of conveyed items over a first portion of its field of view, a reflector positioned to reflect an edge view of the items to the imaging camera, which edge view is received by the imaging camera over a second portion of its field of view, and a computer that receives image data from the camera. Program logic used by the computer determines whether the image shows one item, or more than one item.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2006Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.Inventors: Michael D. Carpenter, Morgan Dunn, John J. Mampe
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Publication number: 20100236997Abstract: The present application relates to a method and system thereof for performing laser cutting on a mail piece during processing on a document processing device such as a sorter. Laser cutting is performed to effectively cut mail pieces during transport on the document processing equipment to ensure cut accuracy and to promote readability. The present teachings allow for selection of a cut profile based on mail piece attributes or markings and adaptive adjustment of the cut profile in accord with the positioning of the mail piece to achieve a desired cut pattern while the document processing device is running at high transport speed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2009Publication date: September 23, 2010Inventors: George M. VARGHESE, Arkadiusz Nieckarz, Gregory Wilmes, Brian Bowers
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Publication number: 20100241272Abstract: An automated mail transporting and sorting apparatus is provided. The automated mail transporting and sorting apparatus includes an identifying and processing machine for determining a particular category from a group of at least two categories of each mail item of a continuous stream of mail items, the at least two categories including a first category and a second category; a first sorting machine for receiving mail items of the first category; a second sorting machine for receiving mail items of the second category; and a continuous gripper line including a plurality of grippers, each gripper being adapted to grip one of the mail items processed by the identifying and processing machine, the gripper line arranged and configured to transport mail items of the first category to the first sorting machine and mail items of the second category to the second sorting machine. A method of transporting and sorting mail items and a gripper apparatus are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2009Publication date: September 23, 2010Applicant: Goss International Americas, Inc.Inventors: Ralph Grimse, Mehmet Oktay Kaya, Heiner Luxem, Rolando Antezana, Chris Cote
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Publication number: 20100230328Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2009Publication date: September 16, 2010Applicant: United States Postal ServiceInventors: Clayton Bonnell, Jeffrey L. Freeman, Michael Lyons, Stephen M. Dearing, Margaret Louise Choiniere, Daryl S. Hamilton, Himesh Patel, Carla Fern Sherry, David James Payne
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Publication number: 20100228387Abstract: The present application relates to a system and method for sorting mailpieces prior to their delivery to the postal authority. The system and method allow for the running of different first pass sort schemes on multiple sorters in a sorting facility without stopping operations for no-count mode, without losing mailpiece tracking, or waiting for all first pass sorting to complete before re-running the mail that was not sorted to the finest depth of sorting. With the present application, mailpieces that can be run a second time can be run concurrently during first pass without the high risk no-count mode or loss of data integrity.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2010Publication date: September 9, 2010Inventors: Brian Bowers, Michael Swift
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Patent number: 7781693Abstract: A method and system for sorting mailpieces in a single pass is provided. The system consists of a mail feeding unit, a mail scanner and a mail distribution unit having a number of receiving bins. Mailpieces are fed into the system one at a time through the scanner to determine the mailstop of the mailpiece. A control system assigns unique mailstops to unique receiving bins. Each mailpiece is deposited in a receiving bin assigned with its mailstop. When the number of mailstops exceeds the number of receiving bins, the control system empties a receiving bin and assigns the new mailstop to the emptied bin so it can receive mailpieces having the new mailstop. Accordingly, the system can sort mail destined for “m” mailstops into “n” receiving bins where “m” is greater than “n”.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2006Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Inventor: Cameron Lanning Cormack
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Patent number: 7778728Abstract: An apparatus and method for positioning objects at a desired reference position, including a sensor for determining the length of each object/mailpiece from a leading to a trailing edge, a transport mechanism having a positionable drive element for transporting the object/mailpiece, and a controller or processor for controlling the position of the drive element to release the object/mailpiece at a desired reference position. The described embodiments of the invention relate to positioning an object/mailpiece in a clamp assembly of a mixed mail sorter. The jaws of the clamp assembly are separated to receive the object/mailpiece by a pair of spiral cams. The spiral cams interpose and engage tabs of each jaw to open and close the clamp assembly as they concomitantly effect translation of the clamp assembly linearly past the positioning apparatus. The apparatus and method ensures predictable conveyance and release of objects/mailpieces while being manipulated by automated handling equipment.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2006Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventor: Denis J. Stemmle
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Patent number: 7777148Abstract: A device for presorting separated thin postal items to sorting final position areas of a postal item sorting machine according to the read distributing information and to the assigned sorting final position area includes at least two inputs for streams of postal items and at least two outputs each leading to a sorting final position area. All connecting paths with intersections are provided in a multiple manner between each respective input and each respective output. The postal items are distributed via corresponding switches to the multiple connecting paths from an input to an output in such a manner that, at the intersections, gaps develop that are required for postal items in the intersecting path and in the junctions.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2005Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Armin Zimmermann
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Patent number: 7767925Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing mail is provided. A stack of mail is placed in an input bin in a feeder module. A feeder serially feeds the envelopes into a transport path. The envelopes are then examined to determine if the contents are qualified for extraction. Envelopes that are qualified for extraction are opened in a cutting module and then conveyed to an extraction module to extract the contents from the envelopes. The contents may then be scanned and reoriented as desired so that the contents are in a pre-determined orientation. The contents are then sorted into a stacker.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2004Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: Opex CorporationInventors: Thomas F DiBiaso, Robert R. DeWitt, George L. Hayduchok
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Patent number: 7766171Abstract: A storage tray for storing mail items in the sorting outlets of a mail sorting machine having a carousel with buckets that hold mail items and move in a transport direction such that the mail items describe an arcuate path when released from the buckets. The storage tray includes a bottom surrounded by side walls defining a horizontal top portion of the tray and a horizontal bottom portion of the tray, wherein the bottom of the tray includes a landing wall and a jogging wall intersecting in the bottom portion of the tray, the landing wall extending from the jogging wall in a first direction towards the top portion of the tray at an angle relative to the horizontal bottom portion of the tray, and the jogging wall extending away from the landing wall in a second direction along a generally arcuate curved path toward the top portion of the tray. The shape of the jogging wall preferably corresponds generally to the path of a mail item released from a bucket carousel of a sorting machine.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2008Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: Northrop Grumman Systems CorporationInventors: Stanley K. Wakamiya, Pierre J. Campagnolle
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Publication number: 20100170831Abstract: A device for conveying flat articles, in which device the flat articles are moved in series while being at a pitch one from the next that is normally constant, includes a synchronization device for compensating for a certain amount of variation in said pitch. This device includes: means for categorizing the articles on the basis of certain physical characteristics of the articles; means for identifying a certain amount of variation in the pitch for the current article and for recording said pitch variation in a memory in correspondence with the class of the current article; and means for servocontrolling the synchronization system on the basis of said pitch variations recorded in the memory in correspondence with said classes of articles.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2008Publication date: July 8, 2010Applicant: SOLYSTICInventor: Stephane Ambroise
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Publication number: 20100174604Abstract: A business method for promoting goods and services of providers includes the steps of designating a group of targeted recipients, and storing demographics information of each recipient in an electronic database. A plurality of direct mail items including provider promotions is generated, and each marked with a machine-readable ID code unique to each of the recipients. The direct mail items are sorted by their respective ID codes into cooperative mail packages, each mail package containing multiple items with common ID codes. The mail packages are then forwarded to respective recipients. After redemption of a direct mail item by a recipient, the ID code is read and electronically linked with the recipient's demographics information contained in the electronic database. A report is generated based on the direct mail items redeemed. The report may include a geographic map which plots respective locations of recipients, and/or a listing of receipts grouped into a plurality of demographics segments.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2010Publication date: July 8, 2010Inventors: Brian Mattingly, Edward Joseph Fain
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Publication number: 20100169242Abstract: Systems and methods including mailing machines configured to selecting a route and carrier or carriers for delivery of the mail and for finishing the mail according the selection are described. In one illustrative configuration, the mailing machine tags mail pieces according to the result of a carrier selection process and sorts the outgoing mail by carrier.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2008Publication date: July 1, 2010Inventors: Edilberto I. Salazar, Robert A. Cordery, Leon A. Pintsov, Richard Schoonmaker, Boris Rozenfeld, David W. Beckstrom
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Patent number: 7745755Abstract: The method of handling mail items for preparing delivery rounds in a postal sorting machine having sorting outlets with interchangeable trays, in which in order to separate the mail items of two delivery rounds at one sorting outlet, the machine causes a tray to be changed at said sorting outlet.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2005Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: SolysticInventors: François Madar, Bruno Cartal, Nicolas Basset
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Patent number: 7745754Abstract: Disclosed is a method for processing a stream of mail pieces from different sources. The steps include detecting information corresponding to the first source from at least a first mail piece of the stream, detecting information corresponding to the second source from at least a second mail piece of the stream, counting a number of mail pieces for each of the first source and the second source, and generating a report detailing a count of mail pieces for each of the first source and the second source.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2005Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: Bowe Bell + Howell CompanyInventors: Walter S. Conard, Steven J. Krejcik
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Patent number: 7741575Abstract: Mail processing methods and techniques for sorting and commingling mail from various mail sources including the tracking of the mail pieces through processing. Such tracking entails uniquely identifying each mail piece, received in batches from the mail sources, and recording the unique identification of each mail piece. The received mail is sorted and commingled in a first pass, to form first collections, and each first collection is loaded into a uniquely identified mail container. For each respective mail piece, the tracking entails recording an association of the unique identification of one of the mail containers into which it is likely the respective mail piece is sorted on the first pass. After processing is complete, postal and client reports can be adjusted based on actual first pass counts.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2005Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: Bowe Bell + Howell CompanyInventors: Brian C. Bowers, Steven J. Krejcik, Walter S. Conard, Michael R. Swift
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Publication number: 20100147751Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2009Publication date: June 17, 2010Inventor: James M. Pippin
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Patent number: 7737378Abstract: A sorting system for flat mail items includes a process controller and at least three storage modules connected in a parallel arrangement. Each of the at least three storage modules has a storage area and an infeed function to transfer mail items from a mail item stream into the storage area, and an extraction function to extract mail items from the storage area for generating an improved mail item stream. One of the at least three storage modules is operable in the infeed function, another one of the at least three storage modules operable in the extraction function, and at least one further module of the at least three storage modules is operable in a halt status. Address information is added to the mail items by the process controller for the mail items contained in the storage area of the storage module operated in the halt status.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2007Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Armin Zimmermann
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Patent number: 7728245Abstract: A sorting system using multiple sorters operating as part of a single, multi-sorting machine unified system. The system according to the invention includes 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, a plurality of stackers each comprising at least one row of pockets, a control system that determines a destination pocket in the stacker for each mail piece based on a predetermined sort scheme and the destination indicia, and a routing system effective to route mail in accordance with the sort scheme from any input section to any pocket of a stacker.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2004Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.Inventors: Dale E. Redford, Michael O. Norris, Floyd W. Worth
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Patent number: 7728244Abstract: A mail sorting and sequencing system having a number of DPP units cooperating with one another to sort and sequence mail items of three different types of mail. Each DPP unit having: a conveyor system wherein a number of trucks travel along a path; at least three truck feed units communicating with the conveyor system and receiving mail items of a respective type of mail; at least one accumulating device cooperating with the conveyor system to receive mail items released individually by the trucks; and a buffer unit for housing groups of mail items from the accumulating device.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2007Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Elsag SpAInventors: Guido De Leo, Cristiano Franzone
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Patent number: 7728246Abstract: Device for sequencing disparate products, includes at least a first feeder mechanism feeding a first separate stream of a first product type in a pre-sequenced order. At least a second feeder mechanism feeds a second separate stream of second product type though a sequencing process. At least one reading device reads product information of the first product type and the second product type. A pausing device pauses, on one of the first feeder mechanism and the second feeder mechanism, one of the first separate stream of the first product type in the pre-sequenced order and the second separate stream of the second product type in a first pass sort order of the sequencing process based on the information read from the at least one reading device to enable the first product type and the second product type to be intermixed into a stream forming a merged stream of sequenced first and second product type.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2007Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Bruce H. Hanson, J. Edward Roth
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Patent number: 7723633Abstract: A system and method that sequences product to increase machine throughput. A plurality of input feeding devices each randomly receives products from a stream of product. A plurality of output groups corresponding to the plurality of input feeding devices are provided during a first pass phase and a second pass phase. The plurality of input feeding devices feed the product to output bins of the plurality of output groups. A control has a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation for a first pass phase and a second pass phase, respectively. In the first mode, the control allows all input feeding devices of the plurality of input feeding devices complete access to all output groups of the plurality of output groups during the first pass phase. In the second mode, the control constrains placement of the products to output groups assigned in the first pass phase such that the groupings of the products to the assigned output groups remain constant between the first pass phase and the second pass phase.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2003Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Bruce H. Hanson, Hajime Morikawa, Jason McLaughlin, J. Edward Roth, Michael Wisniewski
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Patent number: 7722180Abstract: A liquid droplet discharge apparatus includes a conveyor belt that retains and conveys a recording medium, a liquid droplet discharge head that discharges liquid droplets onto the recording medium retained on the conveyor belt, a discharge belt that moves to a recording medium feeding position of the conveyor belt, receives the recording medium, and retains and conveys the recording medium to a discharge port; and an inversion belt that moves to the recording medium feeding position, receives and retains the recording medium, and feeds the recording medium to an inversion path. By disposing the inversion belt, the conveyance direction of the recording medium can be switched without contacting the recording surface of the recording medium, and even when two-sided printing is to be conducted at a high speed, the inversion belt does not become soiled by the liquid droplets adhering to the recording surface of the recording medium.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2006Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masao Mashima
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Publication number: 20100122942Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2008Publication date: May 20, 2010Applicant: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.Inventors: Luiz C. Harres, Peter Berdelle-Hilge, Homer Dickerson, Lelan Warren, Tamas Eger
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Publication number: 20100122943Abstract: A method and system is provided for identifying and recognizing products such as mail pieces and, more particularly, a method and system of object recognition based mail piece fingerprinting is provided to be used with sorting and/or sequencing processes. The system for identifying product transported through a machine includes a first system configured to extract one or more unique features from each of a plurality of product and a data storage system configured to store the extracted one or more unique features for each of the plurality of product. The system further includes a second system configured to identify each of the plurality of product by matching the stored extracted one or more unique features with subsequently extracted unique features from each of the plurality of product as the plurality of product continue to be conveyed through a transportation system.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2008Publication date: May 20, 2010Applicant: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Bing LI, Daniel MCHUGH
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Patent number: 7720256Abstract: The method of processing objects, in which method a digital image (1) is obtained of the surface of each postal object, which image includes address information (2), and an identifier or time stamp for the postal object is associated with the digital image of the postal object in a video-coding system, is characterized by the fact that said digital image is processed in order to extract a signature that serves as an identifier. The signature comprises a first component representative of a physical characteristic of the digital image and a second component (SC) which is a textual description of the address block. This method can be used to implement immediate video-coding in a postal sorting machine without requiring a delay line.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2003Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: SolysticInventors: Olivier Desprez, Emmanuel Miette, Jean-Claude Merlivat, Christophe Caillon
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Patent number: 7706914Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing mail is provided. Mail is placed into an input bin having a conveyor that conveys the mail towards a feeder. The feeder serially feeds the envelopes by engaging the lead envelope in the stack of mail and displacing the lead envelope transverse the stack of mail. The mail is then cut on a side edge and the top edge to cut open each envelope. A transport conveys the cut envelopes to an extractor. The extractor opens the edge-severed mail and presents the contents of the envelopes to an operator who manually extracts the contents. The operator drops the extracted contents onto a conveyor that conveys the contents to an imaging station. The contents are automatically separated and imaged to obtain image data for the contents. The contents are then sorted into a plurality of output bins.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2004Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Opex CorporationInventor: George L. Hayduchok
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Patent number: 7703595Abstract: A method and device are provided for transporting items, in particular postal consignments. A transport process is performed from an intermediate store to a continuation point. Each item that was conveyed to the intermediate store before generation of a start signal is removed from the intermediate store. The items transported are transferred from the intermediate store into a transport device. A record is stored of which items were conveyed to the intermediate store between generation of the start signal and generation of an end signal. The items transported in the transport device are removed from the transport device. For each item that was transported, a data record that has been stored for the item is determined. The stored data record is determined exclusively from the data records generated for those items that were conveyed to the intermediate store between generation of the start signal and generation of the end signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2008Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Gisbert Berger, Jürgen Hohlwegler, Jörg-Andreas Illmaier, Wolf-Stephan Wilke
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Patent number: 7687737Abstract: In a method for sorting flat mail items, mail items are routed longitudinal direction according to determined destination addresses via a transport and point section into sorting terminals assigned to the destination addresses. Gaps between two mail items are adjusted by a controllable gap adjustment device in front of the transport and point. The average set gap between mail items leaving the separation device is selected to be smaller than the minimum gap between the mail items, which are to be sorted in the sorting terminals with the longest transport distances. The gaps between two mail items are adjusted by means of the controllable gap adjustment device as a function of the mail item with the shorter transport distance to the assigned sorting terminal in each instance. To create necessary space to displace the mail items in the flow of mail items, disruptive mail items are ejected.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2005Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Armin Zimmermann, Dirk-Udo Eisser
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Patent number: 7683284Abstract: The sorting device according to the present invention has at least one mail item buffer receptacle, a number of storage pockets for mail items arranged one after another and circulating continuously in a conveyor belt and moved past one or more loading stations. Below straight transfer sections of the conveyors fixed intermediate storage receptacles open at the top are arranged to accept one or more mail items from the loaded storage pockets to be opened under control in the transfer sections. On a transport path below the intermediate storage receptacles there are also continuously circulating mail item containers open at the top as sorting end points assigned to the destination addresses or destination address groups.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2005Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Nikolaus Haselberger, Eberhard Mandler, Andre Rompe, Holger Schererz, Wolf-Stephan Wilke, Armin Zimmermann
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Patent number: 7683285Abstract: A sorting device has at least one mail item buffer receptacle, a number of storage pockets for mail items arranged one after another and circulating continuously in a conveyor belt and moved past one or more loading stations. Below straight transfer sections of the conveyors fixed intermediate storage receptacles open at the top are arranged to accept one or more mail items from the loaded storage pockets to be opened under control in the transfer sections. On a transport path below the intermediate storage receptacles there are also continuously circulating mail item containers open at the top as sorting end points assigned to the destination addresses or destination address groups.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2009Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Nikolaus Haselberger, Eberhard Mandler, Andre Rompe, Holger Schererz, Wolf-Stephan Wilke, Armin Zimmermann
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Patent number: 7683283Abstract: A device and method for merging pre-sequenced products includes at least a first and a second feeder mechanism. The first feeder mechanism feeds a stream of first pre-sequenced product and the second feeder mechanism feeds a stream of second pre-sequenced product. A reading device reads product information of each product of the stream of the first and second pre-sequenced product. A pausing device pauses one of the first stream of pre-sequenced product and the second stream of pre-sequenced product based on the information read from the reading device. The product from one or both of the stream of first and second pre-sequenced product having the same product information is organized into a sequentially merged order.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2003Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Bruce H. Hanson, J. Edward Roth
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Patent number: 7674995Abstract: The invention concerns a method for processing postal packets including managing digital impressions of the postal packets. In a method for processing postal packets, during a preliminary sorting of the packets, a digital image of a packet comprising an address information is formed, a digital impression (V-Id) is derived from said image which constitutes a logical identifier for the packet and the packet impression is recorded in memory corresponding to data indicating the packet address information, and during a second sorting of the packets, a digital image of a current packet is formed again (51) comprising an address information, a digital impression for the current packet is derived (52) from said image and a search is performed among the recorded impressions in the preliminary sorting for a match with the current packet impression.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2005Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: SolysticInventors: Olivier Desprez, Christophe Caillon, Emmanuel Miette
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Patent number: 7671293Abstract: A sorting device and method for dynamically allocating bins to objects such as mail pieces. The device has at least one reading device for reading delivery information of objects and a conveying system which transports the objects. At least one feeder inducts the objects onto the conveying system. A plurality of physical bin locations are adjacent to the conveying system for storage of the object injected from the conveying system. A controller or processor dynamically assigns and reassigns sort locations, as required, to the plurality of physical bin locations during a sorting operation for each object of the objects.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2004Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Rick A. Fry, Reed Durand
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Patent number: 7669706Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2004Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: Lockhead Martin CorporationInventors: Jason G. McLaughlin, Hajime Morikawa, Michael A. Wisniewski
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Patent number: 7663072Abstract: A delivery point packaging system and method of preparing and sorting mail pieces sorts, packages and assembles mail pieces into a predetermined delivery point order.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2003Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: Bowe Bell & Howell CompanyInventors: Walter S. Conard, Rich Wojdyla, Steve Archer, Brian Bowers, John Overman
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Patent number: 7659487Abstract: Today, high density mailings such as “marriage mail,” Advo type advertisements, saturation mail, periodicals, and catalogs often require manual handling by the postal authority. Other than saturation mailings, where every carrier stop gets the same article, these items must be addressed. Verification of production is often desired due to spoilage and damage during production, which requires rework by the mailer. The addition of a data controlled mail collation feeder to existing or new Postal Authority automation equipment or the like eliminates the need to manually handle these difficult mail types and eliminates the need to address specific items. The manual casing at the delivery is eliminated. The data processing system that controls the data controlled mail collation feeder will also perform delivery confirmation and may assess postage due.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2005Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Bowe Bell + Howell Postal Systems CompanyInventors: Walter S. Conard, Daniel J. Parenti, Richard J. Wojdyla
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Publication number: 20100025309Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting articles to a delivery point sequence includes at least one article sorter adapted to sort articles and a conveying system operable to arrange and convey containers of articles sorted in a first sort pass to an induct of the article sorter for a second sort pass or process of the articles. The system or method automatically sorts and conveys trays containing sorted articles from a discharge of at least one sorting assembly to an induct of the at least one sorting assembly. The conveying assembly may have a generally continuous conveying track and is operable to automatically provide the trays to the induct of the at least one sorting assembly in a sequenced manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2009Publication date: February 4, 2010Inventors: Gary P. Burns, Douglas E. Olsori, Robert L. Stone
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Publication number: 20090301947Abstract: Methods, apparatus, software and systems are disclosed for improved processing of mailpieces in order to reduce expensive manual steps. Shiny mail, i.e., mailpieces having glossy surfaces that sometimes interfere with printing of barcodes and or ID Tags may lead to rejects. In some embodiments, shiny mailpieces are identified, and at least one new (non-shiny) label is over-labeled in the POSTNET clear zone (108), the ID Tag zone (202), or both. In one embodiment, a specially-configured Reject Encoding Machine (REM) (1142) is employed to label or over-label a POSTNET clear zone (1110), resolve the destination address (1112) if possible, and print the barcode (1114) in a single operation. Thereafter, the mailpiece may be transferred from the REM into a downstream DBCS (1144), thereby re-introducing the mailpiece into the automated mail stream rather than being relegated to a manual stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2009Publication date: December 10, 2009Applicant: RAF TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventor: William R. Brandt
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Patent number: 7629552Abstract: An expandable and collapsible holder which has a top surface and a bottom, releasable surface. Opposing side walls are hinge mounted between the top surface and the bottom surface. A latch mechanism and actuator such as a solenoid control the opening of the bottom, releasable surface. A system is also provided which uses the expandable holder.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2004Date of Patent: December 8, 2009Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Bruce H. Hanson, J. Edward Roth
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Publication number: 20090294338Abstract: The present subject matter relates generally to techniques and/or equipment for validating mail items within a mail processing system. Sort scheme data and mail item identification data are loaded into the mail processing system. The mail item identification data includes a mail owner identification value and a unique mail item identifier. Then, mail item identification data is acquired from each of the mail items processed in the system and validated against the loaded mail item identification data. The method may involve storing mail item validation data. The mail items are sorted in accordance with the loaded sort scheme data. Further, the present subject matter relates generally to building reports based on the information derived from the techniques and/or equipment utilized therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2009Publication date: December 3, 2009Inventors: Raymond LEE, Brian Bowers, Gary Van Ermen, Steven Seburn, Paul Kostyniuk
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Patent number: 7624854Abstract: An item sorting system includes at least three modules for processing items requiring sorting, a conveyor line to transport the items in a first transport path from the first to the second and to the third module, and a bypass to transport items requiring sorting in a second transport path from the first to the third module thereby bypassing the second module. A control unit sets a spacing between the items in the conveyor line upstream of the bypass as a function of an activation of the bypass. The bypass is to mitigate stresses to which items are exposed when the item sorting system is used in a plurality of passes with different functions.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2007Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Armin Zimmermann, Juergen Braun, Uwe Maertin
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Publication number: 20090288997Abstract: Systems and methods for authenticating the mailer of a mail piece in a manner that is trustworthy and not easily susceptible to fraudulent manipulation are provided. A mail processing system is utilized by recipients of mail pieces to scan each incoming mail piece. The mail processing system obtains information from the mail piece, which can include an identification of the postage meter that was used to generate the indicium. Based on the identification of the postage meter or other unique information, the recipient's mail processing system can obtain an identification of the mailer. Once the identification of the mailer is ascertained based on this information, the recipient can utilize one or more business rules for internal delivery of the mail piece.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2008Publication date: November 26, 2009Applicant: Pitney Bowes Inc.Inventors: Leon A. Pintsov, Andrei Obrea