Abstract: A contaminant detection system for mail is provided. A mail piece enters the system according to the present invention and a probe is inserted into the mail piece. An extraction device, such as, for example, a vacuum system, extracts a sample of air, including any dust and other particles, from inside the mail piece. The extracted sample is provided to a sampling system that monitors for the presence of a possible contaminant. If any type of contaminant is found in the sampled air, dust and other particles, a signal can be provided to alert an operator of contaminant detection and the mail piece can be diverted and held for further investigation. If no contaminants are detected, the mail piece is accepted and delivered to a normal processing path.

Abstract: A system and method sequencing objects in trays by assigning a direction to tray locations, where each of the tray locations provides space for trays. The objects are placed into the trays corresponding to assigned directions of the objects. A determination is made as to whether there are additional objects that correspond to the direction and, if so, the direction is assigned to unassigned tray locations based on pre-defined rules. Once all of the objects are in the trays, the trays are moved to the feeder system in a sequential order based on the directions. In a second pass, the directions are reassigned to the tray locations based on a number of trays required to hold the objects. The objects are placed into the trays corresponding to the directions of the objects. The trays are then transported to an unloading stage in a sequential order corresponding to the reassigned directions.

Abstract: A method and a system is disclosed for affixing invisible or unobtrusive markings to mail pieces (4), and subsequently collecting information from the mail pieces for sorting purposes. The system includes the affixation of an optically contrasting layer (1) to a mail piece, the layer changing optically upon the application of a stimulus to present a contrasting background for imaging encoded information (3) applied over the layer and related to the mail piece.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for the individual or group activation of tipping conveyor elements of a tipping shell sorter, which are provided with an electric motor tipping drive. The electric motor of the tipping drive, is supplied with electrical energy transmitted in a contact-free manner, and is initially brought up to its rated or idle speed (n0), without a load, before the tipping process is initiated. The tipping device has an electronic control device so that when the electric motor, receives a tipping control signal, as the conveyor or elements approach a receiving station, the motor is initially brought up to its rated speed (n0), without activating the tipping device. The tipping device is then automatically activated by the control device. This causes the tipping conveyor element and its horizontal support surface to be tipped to one side so that one or more piece goods will be delivered to a preselected receiving station, while the conveyor system is moving.

Abstract: A method and system for sequencing deliverables using combined delivery codes and partial delivery point bar codes (DPBCs) provides pre-sequencing of deliverables for delivery carriers that has improved ordering with respect to the actual delivery route and accounts for un-coded new delivery points in the ordering process. A partial DPBC field is combined with a delivery code to generate the ordering sequence. The DPBC field is combined by generating delivery sequencing tables having sequence numbers splitting ZIP+4 codes into multiple entries delineated by ranges of the last two digits of the DPBC, that can then be flagged for ascending or descending delivery and assigned unique sequence numbers. The full address of actual delivery points is thereby concealed by the table, while providing more accurate sequencing conforming to actual deliver routes.

Abstract: System and method for dynamically adjusting cells in a carrier structure for receiving mail items for delivery through a postal delivery service. Delivery points, which may representing a post office address, correspond to cells in the carrier structure. The allocation of cells may be adjusted based upon the mail delivery demands of the delivery point. Delivery points, and their corresponding cells, may also be added and/or deleted.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the sorting of items such as mail pieces, according to their distribution addresses, in a sorting machine, whereby non-readable mail pieces are sorted into special bins for recirculation according to the different reasons for the non-reading. Beginning and end of the stack of mail pieces of the respective special bin for recirculation is readably marked for sorting machine reading, and the marked stack of mail pieces is again fed to the feeder of the sorting machine in the reading position and orientation. At unsuccessful reattempts of a mail piece of a marked stack of mail pieces from one of the special bins for recirculation, the mail piece is sorted into an additional special bin, from which it is no longer fed to the sorting machine.

Abstract: In this postal sorting process, ordered lists (C11-C23) of the sort codes affixed to the mail items are compiled in the handling sorting offices (CTA1, CTA2), these lists being representative of the order of the rail items in the batches of mail items compiled during the handling sorting phase. These lists of codes are transferred from the handling sorting offices to the distribution sorting offices and during the processing of the batches of mail items in a distribution sorting office, the code read by machine on the mail items are compared with the codes extracted from said lists f codes with a view to recovering errors in reading said codes by machine.

Abstract: The method of detecting overlapping postal items in a postal sorting installation (1) consists in detecting variation in the length of each item by causing each item to go past a plurality of proximity detectors (4, 5, 6, 7). The proximity detectors are situated at different points of the sorting installation (1) and they are configured to evaluate the length of each item. As they pass through the sorting installation, overlapping items shift progressively relative to one another due, in particular, to friction. Thus, the total length of a set of overlapping items tends to vary, such that evaluating variation in the length of each potential item serves to provide information that is reliable for detecting overlaps. Since it is relatively easy to evaluate the length of an item, the performance of the installation is improved at low cost.

Abstract: A method for sorting mail pieces for delivery by a carrier, wherein the mail pieces include both letters and flats, includes the steps of a) sorting in a first sorting pass a batch of letters, each letter having a destination code thereon which corresponds to one of a predetermined number of delivery destinations for a carrier delivery route, b) sorting in first sorting pass a batch of flats, each flat having a destination code thereon which corresponds to one of the predetermined number of delivery destinations for the carrier delivery route, using the same automated sorting machine which scans each delivery code and stores it in a computer memory; c) sorting in a first sorting pass a batch of dividers having a scannable code thereon; d) then sorting the letters, flats and dividers in at least one subsequent sorting pass, using the scanned and stored codes according to the computer-implemented sort scheme, resulting in a series of groups of mail pieces for each destination, which groups may include letters o

Abstract: A material deflector plate system adapted for mounting below the forwardly declining surface of a material-guiding discharge chute includes a base frame for mounting rearwardly of the discharge edge of the declining surface and a deflector-plate support structure reciprocably depending from the base frame for reciprocation between rearwardmost and forwardmost positions. Hingedly depending from the support structure are alternatively collapsible and deployable first and second deflector plate sets. The system can alternatively assume storage and operative attitudes. A storage attitude is one in which the deflector plate sets are collapsed and the support structure is disposed sufficiently rearwardly with respect to the base frame that at least a majority of the length of the collapsed deflector plate sets is disposed rearwardly of the chute discharge edge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for sorting postal articles on automatic sorting devices. According to the invention, the postal articles are read in one or several sorting devices and are pre-sorted in sorting terminal stations according to distributing areas. The pre-sorted postal articles are then conveyed to the sorting devices assigned to the respective distributing areas and are finely sorted based on the applied barcode that indicates the online-read or offline-read address. In order to provide an additional time for offline video encoding before the fine sorting, the postal articles, during the pre-sorting for each distributing area, are sorted in terminal stations for already completely read postal articles and in terminal stations for incompletely read postal articles. This permits the completely read postal articles to be immediately subjected to a fine sorting and enables this time to be used for offline video encoding the incompletely read postal articles.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method and system using a single pass sequencer having a transport system for transporting the mail pieces to a transport system having a moveable carriage system and a stationary carriage system with a plurality of holders slidable between the moveable carriage system and the stationary carriage system. The plurality of holders hold a mail piece of the mail pieces received from the transport system. The mail pieces are sequenced as they are transported or moved from the stationary carriage to the moveable carriage.

Abstract: This invention relates to a separator for separating envelope flaps from envelope bodies, of which the active separation zone is formed by a supple part which comprises a peripheral edge arranged at the level of an envelope conveyor deck.

Abstract: A recognition apparatus of this invention for recognizing sorting information as a character string written within a cellophane region of a paper-like material extracts edge components according to a differential image based on an image of light and shade of the paper-like material, determines a cellophane frame based on the edge components and recognizes the character string within the thus determined cellophane frame as an address. Thus, the cellophane region in which the address used as the sorting information is written can be correctly extracted and occurrence of erroneous recognition of the sorting information and erroneous sorting of the paper-like material can be prevented.

Abstract: A device and method for device for sequencing disparate products includes at least a first feeder mechanism feeding a stream of a first product type in a pre-sequenced order. At least a second feeder mechanism feeds a stream of second product type though a sequencing process. A reading device reads product information of the first product type and the second product type. A pausing device pauses the first stream of the first product type or the second stream of the second product type in a first pass sort order of the sequencing process based on the information read from the reading device. The first product type and the second product type are intermixed into a stream forming a merged stream of sequenced first and second product type.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sorting, scanning and routing imaged documents are described. In one configuration, incoming mixed white mail is sorted and coded, then extracted and scanned using the code to separate items. The separate imaged documents are then routed using the code. In another configuration, the documents are automatically extracted from the envelopes. In yet another configuration, the intended recipient is sent an identifier used to reference the code and retrieve the imaged document.

Abstract: Items to be distributed and transported are separated into at least two categories, based on the shape of the items. Distribution and transportation functions are performed within a system comprising a plurality of Origin Facility/Destination Facility and Network Control Points, with each ODF being assigned to a single NCP. Each ODF, in turn, is assigned one or more geographic area. Items arrive at an ODF, are distributed and then transported to the assigned NCP for further distribution, and then transported to a second ODF for final distribution.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention comprises a mailpiece sorting apparatus video coding station, inserter system, return mail workstation and a web server for interconnecting several components of the system. The system provides a closed loop solution for reducing return to sender mailpieces generated by a company that is sorting incoming mailpieces using an automated system. This invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art providing updated data to inserting systems producing such mailpieces. This helps to solve data quality problems at their source and reduce processing costs by reducing the number of return to sender mailpieces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a receiving area or stacking tray for items. Thc stacking tray may be flat and the items mail items. The mail items may also be flat. The flat mail items are accommodated in an upright position. The receiving area has a stacking base, a stacking location, and a stack-retaining stack support which is movable in approximately horizontal stacking direction.

Abstract: A system and method sequencing objects in trays by assigning a direction to tray locations, where each of the tray locations provides space for trays. The objects are placed into the trays corresponding to assigned directions of the objects. A determination is made as to whether there are additional objects that correspond to the direction and, if so, the direction is assigned to unassigned tray locations based on pre-defined rules. Once all of the objects are in the trays, the trays are moved to the feeder system in a sequential order based on the directions. In a second pass, the directions are reassigned to the tray locations based on a number of trays required to hold the objects. The objects are placed into the trays corresponding to the directions of the objects. The trays are then transported to an unloading stage in a sequential order corresponding to the reassigned directions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for reading and decoding information extracted from a form. In the system of the present invention, packages are randomly placed on a conveyor belt, with their labels facing a two-camera subassembly. As the conveyor belt moves, the two-camera subassembly continuously takes images of the belt underneath the overhead camera. The design of the camera permits it to take a high resolution image of a non-singulated, unjustified package flow. A digital image of the packages within the field of view of the camera is then transferred to the processing system for analysis. The processing system identifies individual packages in the image, extracts them and then analyzes the information written on the package labels. The analysis process utilizes conventional Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and Intelligent Character Recognition (ICR) techniques to evaluate the information written on the package label.

Abstract: A method for rerouting mailpieces in a carrier distribution system includes the steps of receiving a plurality of mailpieces within the carrier distribution system; dynamically determining criteria defining a suspect group of mailpieces; automatically detecting the presence of the plurality of mailpieces within the carrier distribution system; identifying suspect mailpieces form the plurality of mailpieces by automatically detecting within the carrier distribution system which of the plurality of mailpieces meet the criteria defining the suspect group of mailpieces; and outsorting the suspect mailpieces for evaluation. A postal distribution system incorporates the method.

Abstract: A flat article handling system diverter gate includes a wear attachment. The wear attachment is easily replaceable without having to remove the diverter gate from the flat article handling system, or without having to shut down the system for extended periods of time. The wear attachment may be provided as an add-on to a conventional diverter gate, or as a replaceable diverter panel of the diverter gate.

Abstract: A method for use by a presort mailer in creating a mailing consisting of a multitude of mail pieces addressed to a predetermined list of recipients having predetermined addresses is disclosed, including the steps of: (a) determining a batch scheme applicable to the mailing, wherein the batch scheme specifies batches of mail pieces to be grouped together, the batch scheme being based on a multi-pass mail piece sort scheme such that each batch contains mail pieces that can be sorted to mail carrier delivery order on a last pass of the multi-pass sort scheme; and (b) creating the mail pieces of the mailing in an order so that the batches of mail pieces to be grouped together according to the batch scheme are created consecutively. In one embodiment, the multi-pass sort scheme may be based on a predetermined set of numbered delivery points each corresponding to a ZIP+4 destination code.

Abstract: A method that enables the carrier of letters, flats and/or packages (mail) that are addressed to a recipient to determine if the mail contains life harming materials, before the mail is delivered to the recipient. The invention accomplishes the foregoing by receiving mail that is addressed to a recipient which contains material that may or may not be life harming; capturing an image of the face of the mail, which includes the name and physical address of the recipient; processing the image on the face of the mail to determine if characteristics of the image match characteristics of known mail that may contain life harming materials; testing the mail if the image contains characteristics of life harming material; and delivering the mail to the recipient if the image does not contain life harming characteristics.

Abstract: A sequential mail sorting system for generating sort sequence codes, interpreting them for the sequential sorting of mail into a mail carrier walk sequence and providing for holdout mail types, which includes reading a sort plan text file for a selected postal delivery zone and determining the number of bins required in the sorting machine, selecting the carriers whose routes are located in such zone, generating sort sequence codes for sorting the mail in a sequential order, and generating sequence codes for holdouts and regular mail types and placing them into a sort plan binary file. The generating of sort sequence codes includes generating and interpreting sort sequence codes for holdout mail types to allow for sorting and removal of holdout mail from the mail sorting stream in the initial sorting pass of a multiple pass sequential mail sort. It also includes such a step which is performed in the final sorting pass.

Abstract: The an embodiment of the present invention generally comprises a mailpiece sorting apparatus including an addressee database and a state/ZIP Code list generated from the addressee database. Mailpieces for which the addressee cannot be determined are processed using ZIP Code and/or State information read from the mailpiece. The state/ZIP Code information read from the mailpiece is compared to the state/ZIP Code list to determine if there is a match. If there is not match, the mailpiece is sorted to a “return to sender” bin.

Abstract: A method for locating a barcode in an image includes dividing the image into a plurality of tiles, and scanning each of the tiles so as to detect a pattern of stripes associated with the barcode in at least one of the tiles. The pattern of stripes is analyzed so as to determine an angle of orientation of the barcode. Responsive to the determined angle, bounds of the barcode are defined in alignment with the pattern of the stripes.

Abstract: Large items such as magazines or large envelopes lie flat upon and are transported by a first conveyor in a first, transverse direction until they sequentially encounter a frustoconical member rotatably mounted to a back wall. A second conveyor is disposed normal to the first conveyor so that it transports the items that have encountered the frustoconical member in a second direction normal to the first. A rotatably mounted barrier has a first, retracted position where it does not interfere with items approaching the frustoconical member and a second, deployed position where it stops the items short of the frustoconical member. The position of the barrier is controlled by information concerning postal routes. The items are sorted into sharply defined groups that are transversely staggered with respect to one another.

Abstract: A multi-resolution label locator system divides an input image into a plurality of multi-pixel cells. The multi-resolution label locator system then creates a decimated image or low resolution image corresponding to the input image. The decimated image includes a common-characteristic value that corresponds to a multi-pixel cell of the input image. The multi-resolution label locator system identifies one or more areas within the decimated image that have characteristics corresponding to the characteristics of interest. While generating the decimated image, the multi-resolution label locator system simultaneously creates an edge-occurrence image that corresponds to the input image. The edge-occurrence image includes an edge value that corresponds to each cell of the input image. Each edge value represents the number of occurrences of an edge within the pixels of a corresponding cell of the input image.

Abstract: A method using a single pass sequencer having a transport system for transporting the mail pieces to a transport system having a first carriage system and a second carriage system with a plurality of holders slidable between the first carriage system and the second carriage system with packaged output. Each of the plurality of holders holds a mail piece received from the transport system. The method includes assigning a code to: (i) the mail pieces based on the destination information, (ii) the plurality of holders on the first carriage, and (iii) a position on the second carriage which corresponds to the initial sequence and a destination sequence of the mail pieces. The method instructs movement of the plurality of holders from the first carriage to the second carriage so that they are in sequential order of delivery destination, ready to be packaged. Once the mail pieces are in sequential order on the second carriage, they are dropped into a container for a delivery point.

Abstract: A method using a single pass sequencer having a transport system for transporting the mail pieces to a transport system having a first carriage system and a second carriage system with a plurality of holders slidable between the first carriage system and the second carriage system with packaged output. Each of the plurality of holders holding a mail piece of the mail pieces received from the transport system. The method includes assigning a code to: (i) the mail pieces based on the destination information, (ii) the plurality of holders on the first carriage, and (iii) a position on the second carriage which corresponds to the initial sequence and a destination sequence of the mail pieces.

Abstract: A mail case system includes facilitates sequence-sorting various types of mail together into individual bags that each represent unique delivery points. The mail case uses multi-bag inserts so that the bags for several stops can be set up quickly for sorting. At the end of the sorting operation, the entire insert may be pulled down from the case as a single unit to maintain the established delivery point sequence. This eliminates the carrier's need to find separation points or to combine selections from multiple sequenced stacks of mail during the delivery operation. This results in a dramatic improvement in delivery efficiency.

Abstract: An apparatus for rotating a document approximately 180° includes a first and a second belt. The first belt has a document transport portion, a return portion, a first end, and a second end. The second end of first belt being is twisted approximately 180° in relation to the first end of the first belt. The second belt has a document transport portion, a return portion, a first end, and second end. The document transport portion of the first belt is disposed adjacent to the document transport portion of the second belt. The second end of second belt is twisted approximately 180° in relation to the first end of the second belt. A document transport path is defined by the document transport portions of the first and the second belts. The document transport path has an inlet and an outlet. The outlet of the document transport path is twisted approximately 180° in relation to the inlet.

Abstract: Radio frequency identification tags are placed on mail contained in trays or tubs to locate and reroute mail that is misdirected, i.e., being routed to the incorrect destination. The method involves the carrier reading the identifying information contained in the radio frequency identification tags on each mail piece while each mail piece is in the trays or tubs and removing one or more mail pieces in the tray or tub that are to be routed differently than that routing information contained on the outside of the trays or tubs.

Abstract: This invention creates a hierarchy of radio frequency identification tags that are related to the mail pieces in mail trays and the pallet on which the mail trays sit. This hierarchical method provides a layered approach that is designed to minimize the probability that a mailer or the post office will misassemble or misroute a mailing or elements of a mailing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for sorting distribution sequences on a despatch sorting machine, in which each despatch is arranged in a distribution sequence according to its read and recognized address code, where sorting takes place in several cycles in accordance with the number and size of the available sorting compartments and the sequence requirements. According to the invention, in order to avoid being faced with full compartments, after the recognition of all the despatches' address codes, with one or more full compartments, one or more compartment combinations for one distribution stop are found by iterative search steps taking account of all the compartments available for sorting and all possible distribution stops, while retaining the predetermined despatch sequence, where said combinations are formed by characteristic numbers of the compartments during the passages and which are capable of accepting despatches for distribution at the distribution stop concerned.

Abstract: A process is provided for sorting mail pieces, especially manual mail, received at a postal processing and distribution center having associated mail delivery zones with associated postal delivery codes such as zip codes. Each delivery zone has one or more associated postal carriers which deliver mail to destination points within that zone. The delivery codes identify which zone and which carrier within the zone the mail piece should be delivered to.

Abstract: A method and system for providing delivery point sequencing consistent with the invention includes assigning the plurality of items dynamic sequence numbers as the plurality of items pass through a sequencing component a first time, the sequencing component component comprising a plurality of partitions. Next the method and system include sorting the plurality of items into the plurality of partitions of the sequencing component as the plurality of items pass through the sequencing component the first time, each partition having a corresponding batch of items. And finally the method and system include sorting the items of each batch by the dynamic sequence numbers as the plurality of items pass through the sequencing component a second time, each of the plurality of partitions sorting only items of its corresponding batch.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention comprises a mailpiece sorting apparatus including a voice recognition system performing a method of processing “return to sender” mailpieces using voice recognition. The operator obtains a “return to sender” mailpiece and determines a sender address segment for identification. The sender address segment is spoken by the operator to the recognition system. The voice recognition software interprets the information and communicates it to recipient matching software. The software narrows the potential sender matches in the mailpiece sorting apparatus addressee database. If a match is made, the operator is prompted to place the mailpiece onto mailpiece sorting apparatus which sends the mailpiece to the proper sort bin based on the identification performed by the matching software.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for changing the orientation, height and direction of envelopes conveyed in an inserter system. The invention reorienting horizontally transported envelopes to a vertical position. The envelopes then being transported around a turning arrangement comprised of a length of driven belt urged against a large diameter idler wheel. A turning guide serves to aid the envelopes through the turning arrangement. A ramp module comprised of nips having toroidal outer circumferences elevate the vertical envelopes. The envelopes finally are turned 180 degrees to be sorted into sorting bins. The overall arrangement of the invention results in an output sub-system of an inserter system with a shortened footprint and ergonomically desirable layout. Also, features of the invention provide that envelopes avoid damage and jamming and that recently closed envelope flaps do not inadvertently open.

Abstract: A method and system for collating groups of flats mail items for a plurality of carrier routes into carrier walk order sequence (CWS) using a Flats Bundle Collator (FBC) system which is capable of pre-staging carrier route subsets in one or more staging towers, or immediately collating a group into CWS for a group being fed into the system. The pre-staged subsets can be collated by the staging towers on demand. A U-shaped footprint for the FBC facilitates loading and unloading by the same operator. Additional input feeders may be added to the modular FBC, as well as random sequence towers.

Abstract: A method for sorting mail pieces for delivery by a carrier, wherein the mail pieces include both letters and flats, includes the steps of a) sorting in a first sorting pass a batch of letters, each letter having a destination code thereon which corresponds to one of a predetermined number of delivery destinations for a carrier delivery route, b) sorting in first sorting pass a batch of flats, each flat having a destination code thereon which corresponds to one of the predetermined number of delivery destinations for the carrier delivery route, using the same automated sorting machine which scans each delivery code and stores it in a computer memory; c) sorting in a first sorting pass a batch of dividers having a scannable code thereon; d) then sorting the letters, flats and dividers in at least one subsequent sorting pass, using the scanned and stored codes according to the computer-implemented sort scheme, resulting in a series of groups of mail pieces for each destination, which groups may include letters o

Abstract: In a network-based mail processing system and method of the invention, the originating presort bureau or node is defined as the first bureau to receive and process mail, usually near the point of creation. Each presort bureau or node in the network is generally also a destination bureau or node since each processes mail from other nodes for delivery to recipients in its respective region by the postal regional sorting centers associated with its destination codes. Interactive network processing enables higher density of sorts at destination nodes and reduces overall sorts, postage, and sort costs over non-interactive processing centers. The term “presort bureau” is used to connote a service bureau or any other entity which is a) part of the enterprise network, b) processes mail created and entered by itself or by mailers it services, and/or c) processes mail interactively with other network nodes. A similar network is described for mail-like items.

Abstract: A mail processing machine comprises a first holding location that is adapted to hold a stack of first pages. A card is coupled to each of the first pages, and each first page includes an identifier. A second holding location is adapted to hold a stack of second pages that each have an identifier. A first advancing mechanism is adapted to separately advance each first page from the stack, and a second advancing mechanism is adapted to separately advance each second page from the stack. First and second scanning devices read the identifiers on the first and second pages upon their advancement. A controller is configured to control the first and second advancing mechanism to permit the first and second pages to be scanned by the first and second scanners and to match the first pages with the second pages if the identifier on one of the advanced first pages corresponds with the identifier on one of the advanced second pages.

Abstract: A drop-box mechanism or system is disposed adjacent to an article conveyor and atop a flat mail storage tub and comprises a platen movable between first and second chambers at which the open top of the storage tub is respectively uncovered and covered. When the platen uncovers the storage tub, deflecting fingers move downwardly so as to cover the platen tracks and the space defined between the bottom of the drop-box mechanism and the open top of the storage tub so as to prevent flat mail articles from becoming jammed within the tracks or from being inadvertently discharged through the space defined between the bottom of the drop-box mechanism and the open top of the storage tub. In this manner, the predetermined conveyed order of articles is preserved so as to facilitate sequence address delivery of the articles to recipients.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method and device for recognizing distribution data on postal packets, small packages or journals during the automatic mail processing, especially to systems by which the automatic handwritten adress recognition process is supplemented and improved by video coding. The distribution data are written on various backgrounds, including pattern backgrounds. After a first unsuccessful optical character recognition attempt, the complete surface of the postal packet is displayed with a grid on a videocoding-screen. Once a picture segment has been selected which contains a larger part of the distribution data, the operator submits an image portion containing said picture segment and the adjacent areas to a new optical character assessment, while making sure that all the data area is included in the image portion.

Abstract: A mail sorter, which can reliably sort mail while avoiding the breakage and the recovery mistake of mail released from conveyor baskets, which move on the mail sorting line in circulation. The mail sorter has a conveyor line with a conveying forward run and a conveying return run closely arranged back to back with each, and layered mail recovery box groups are disposed along a lower region of the conveying return run in parallel to each other. The mail recovery box groups comprise lowest stage boxes for recovering mail M released from conveyor baskets on the conveying forward run through a transverse deflection chute, middle stage boxes for recovering mail M released from the conveyor baskets on the conveying forward run through a discharge chute, and uppermost stage boxes for recovering mail M released from the conveying baskets on the conveying return run through a buffer chute.