Abstract: The present invention is a collation/retrieval system collating a product manufactured by or delivered from a producer or a distributor with a product to be collated comprising: a storage unit that stores an image feature of a predetermined collation area of the product determined in advance at a position relative to a reference section common in every product; a to-be-collated product feature extraction unit that receives an image of the product to be collated and detecting the reference section of the product from the received image to extract an image feature of the collation area determined by reference to the reference section; and a collation unit that collates the stored image feature with the image feature of the collation area of the product to be collated.

Abstract: A mail creation method includes forming an address, forming an image, folding, inserting, sealing, and fixing a voucher. In the forming of the address, an image forming section forms the address on an envelope. In the forming of the image, the image forming section forms the image on paper. In the folding, a folding section folds the paper having the image formed thereon. In the inserting, an enclosing section inserts the folded paper into the envelope having the address formed thereon. In the sealing, the enclosing section seals the envelope having the folded paper inserted therein. In the fixing of the voucher, a voucher fixing section fixes the voucher to the sealed envelope. The voucher indicates that postage has been paid.

Abstract: The present invention is a collation/retrieval system collating a product manufactured by or delivered from a producer or a distributor with a product to be collated comprising: a storage unit that stores an image feature of a predetermined collation area of the product determined in advance at a position relative to a reference section common in every product; a to-be-collated product feature extraction unit that receives an image of the product to be collated and detecting the reference section of the product from the received image to extract an image feature of the collation area determined by reference to the reference section; and a collation unit that collates the stored image feature with the image feature of the collation area of the product to be collated.

Abstract: The present invention is a collation/retrieval system collating a product manufactured by or delivered from a producer or a distributor with a product to be collated comprising: a storage unit that stores an image feature of a predetermined collation area of the product determined in advance at a position relative to a reference section common in every product; a to-be-collated product feature extraction unit that receives an image of the product to be collated and detecting the reference section of the product from the received image to extract an image feature of the collation area determined by reference to the reference section; and a collation unit that collates the stored image feature with the image feature of the collation area of the product to be collated.

Abstract: A filling station for filling an envelope is configured to receive a filling material and an envelope. The filling station includes a filling area including at least one filling aid, an envelope feeder configured to receive an envelope and to hold the envelope at least partly at a position outside the filling area, and a transport device configured to move an envelope, which is arranged in the envelope feeder, to the filling aid. The envelope feeder is configured to receive a further envelope during a movement of the preceding envelope from the envelope feeder to the filling aid and/or during filling of the preceding envelope. The transport device is configured to move the further envelope from the envelope feeder to the filling aid once filling of the preceding envelope has been completed and before transporting of the filled envelope out of the filling station has been completed.

Abstract: An electronic interface for electronic communication includes a system or apparatus for the order-based processing of flat items that can be categorized into flat item types. The interface has an exclusive input of formulations that combine features of flat item types to be processed in an order and the processing steps performed in the processing system, and/or for the order-based processing of orders according to which a specific amount of specific flat items are to be processed in accordance with one or more formulations, allows sources of error to be reduced.

Abstract: An inserter system including a first station operative to output personal inserts for inserting in envelopes, an inserter operative to insert the personal inserts in the envelopes, and a dynamic buffer operative to convey the personal inserts from the first station to the inserter, the dynamic buffer including a partition-less adjustable length conveyor and an inserter-interface conveyor, wherein the adjustable length conveyor conveys the personal inserts from the first station to the inserter-interface conveyor and the inserter grabs the personal inserts from the inserter-interface conveyor, and wherein the inserter grabbing the personal inserts determines a speed of operation of the inserter-interface conveyor, including a timing at which the inserter-interface conveyor grabs the personal inserts from the adjustable length conveyor.

Abstract: An insertion system includes a folding device to perform either single-sheet folding to fold a single sheet at a time or batch folding to fold multiple sheets together at a time, an insertion device to insert into an envelope the sheet folded by the folding device, and a batch setting unit to designate either the single-sheet folding or the batch folding from a folding and insertion menu for multiple sheets at a time when the multiple sheets are processed by the folding device and the insertion device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting an object into an envelope in which the envelopes are stacked in a stacker. An envelope flap of the envelope is grasped by a lip on a rotary cam to open the envelope. The envelope flap of the envelope is brought into and maintained in contact with a surface of the rotary cam. The envelope is then pulled, via the envelope flap, so as to place and maintain the envelope in contact with the surface of the rotary cam. The rotary cam reverses the envelope to move the envelope into an inserting area where the envelope is detached from the surface of the rotary cam. An object is then inserted into the envelope and the envelope is then removed from the inserting area.

Abstract: A system for assembling a shipping package includes a feeder feeding an envelope from a supply of envelopes and a transport mechanism that transports a shipping container from a supply of shipping containers and places the shipping container in position for the feeder to insert the envelope into the shipping container. The envelope contains a replacement presentation instrument and a shipping indicator, and the shipping indicator includes a shipping address visible through a first substantially clear window in the envelope. Each shipping container has a second substantially clear window, and when the envelope has been inserted into the shipping container, the shipping address is visible through the second substantially clear window.

Abstract: A recording media sheet processing system includes a folding device including a folding unit to fold a sheet and a squeezing unit to squeeze the folded sheet, an insertion device to insert in an envelope an enclosure, and a controller. The folding device. The controller includes an envelope selector, a selector for selecting whether to fold the sheet and a folding style of the sheet, a first storage unit for storing a folding-related equivalent quantity into which a quantity of each sheet is converted corresponding to the folding style and the number of times the sheet is squeezed, a second storage unit for storing a maximum quantity of sheets insertable, a calculator to calculate a total converted quantity of the enclosure, a determination unit to determine whether the selected envelope type accommodates the enclosure, and a squeezing setter to set the number of times of squeezing.

Abstract: A method of preparing batches of mailpieces using an envelope-stuffing machine. The method includes printing documents with each page bearing a first marking for causing the related document to be inserted into an envelope, and printing separator sheets each bearing a second marking for causing it to be folded into a predetermined particular geometrical shape; folding the documents and inserting them into empty envelopes having a common format; folding the separator sheets; and ejecting closed envelopes and the separator sheets folded into the predetermined particular geometrical shape. On being ejected by the envelope-stuffing machine, the separator sheets are interposed automatically between the closed envelopes as a function of the batches to be prepared, and the predetermined particular geometrical shape resulting in the separator sheets projecting from the predetermined common format of the envelopes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for preparing mail pieces. By determining the number of postal items of a mail set that is fed or to be fed to a gathering station, the further processing can be based thereon, and if the number of postal items exceeds a predetermined maximum, the mail set is split by transporting the already gathered postal items from the gathering station to the inserting station, where the postal items are inserted in an envelope and an envelope printer can print an association marking on the envelope of the formed mail piece.

Abstract: An inserting apparatus for inserting documents into envelopes comprising an envelope holder for holding an envelope in a document inserting position, wherein a first upstream end of the envelope is in an open position for receiving the document, a document displacement arrangement for displacing the document along a document inserting path into the envelope, wherein the apparatus further comprises a document steering arrangement arranged opposite to an envelope crease line provided between an envelope flap and an envelope body. The arrangement comprises steering elements spaced apart along a central axis that in use is substantially aligned with the envelope crease line. The steering elements are interconnected such that in use the respective steering elements are rotatable about the central axis in a similar direction with a similar speed during a similar time interval.

Abstract: An inserter device for a document printer and inserter system includes a first container sensor. A belt mechanism includes a flexible delivery belt receiving a printed document from a document printer. A motor rotates the delivery belt in response to an actuation signal from the first container sensor indicating the presence of a container at a document loading position proximate the delivery belt. A support shaft is rotatably connected to a support frame. The belt mechanism is fixed to the support shaft. The support shaft is rotated to achieve a desired belt drive angle and fixed to the support frame to maintain the belt drive angle. A rigid document diverter proximate the delivery belt deflects a document discharged from the delivery belt at the belt drive angle into the container. First and second belt tensioning assemblies are individually positioned in either a belt mechanism drive box or idler box.

Abstract: A system and method for producing printed sheet material for use in a mailpiece inserter. The system comprises an input module for supplying the printed sheet material associated with a mailpiece fabrication job of the mailpiece inserter and a transfer module adapted to receive the printed sheet material from the input module and dispense the printed sheet material. An output module is adapted to receive the printed sheet material from the transfer module and convey the printed sheet material along the transport deck. A processor is operatively coupled to a mail run data file of the mailpiece fabrication job for controlling the input, transfer and output modules to stack the printed sheet material in accordance with the mail run data file. In the method, the output module includes at least two transport decks which may be repositioned such that one of the transport decks receives/stacks the printed sheet material in a manner which is best suited for subsequent use by the mailpiece inserter.

Abstract: A method for maximizing the overall efficiency of an insertion system by running the system with the optimal balance between system throughput and potential for system stoppages. In other words, the system is capable of running at less than maximum throughput if running at such throughput is causing excessive amounts of system stoppages and thus, negatively impacting overall system efficiency. The foregoing is accomplished by an algorithm that controls the flow of material being processed by a particular section of the machine, or “module”. This algorithm is capable of reducing the flow rate of material to, or within, that module if a problem arises downstream that may lead to a paper jam.

Abstract: An inserting apparatus for placing a product in an envelope is provided with a discharge path. The discharge path is provided with a skewed roller conveyer which comprises a plurality of rollers arranged at an angle relative to the discharge conveying direction, to align the envelopes along a stop extending in the conveying direction of the roller conveyer. The discharge path is provided with at least one pressing device extending above the roller conveyor to press envelopes towards the roller conveyor, the pressing device comprising at least one array of vertically moveable, rotatable balls. The roller conveyor is provided with at least one endless transport belt for the envelopes, extending opposite the at least one pressing device, the endless belt extending substantially transversally with respect to the rollers.

Abstract: An apparatus transports a discrete paper or film object in a machine direction for insertion into an envelope. A guide assembly of the apparatus includes opposed first and second channels facing one another for guiding the object in the machine direction, with the channels extending upwardly to thereby define an uphill path of travel for the object. A drive apparatus includes engaging elements for moving the object along the first and second channels. At least one support element holds the object against the guide assembly.

Abstract: The present teachings relate to techniques and equipment to insert documents into either letter envelopes or flat mail envelopes on the same dual mode mailing inserter without the need to do machine setup between letter and flat mail envelope insertion. The dual mode mail inserting machine is configured to accept documents from a printer that are designed for insertion into flat mail envelope. If a document plus its inserts and envelope weighs less than a predetermined weight, the document will be diverted from the normal flat mail path to a second inserter and output section.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting a paper or film object or a stack of such objects into an envelope. A feeding apparatus moves the object toward an insertion station and a vacuum drum has a surface adapted to engage and move the envelope toward the insertion station. A ramp element is coupled to the vacuum drum and is adapted to support a leading portion of the envelope as the envelope moves with the vacuum drum.

Abstract: For determining a setting of an apparatus for folding documents to be inserted into windowed envelopes, a tentative folding setting is determined. Then, an overlay image representing the envelope and at least a portion of a side of the folded document that would be visible through the envelope window after folding of the specimen of the documents in accordance with the tentative folding setting and insertion of the folded specimen into the envelope is displayed. If the overlay image is not satisfactory, another tentative folding setting is inputted and an accordingly changed overlay image is generated. If the overlay image is satisfactory, the current tentative folding setting is selected as the folding setting to be applied for folding documents.

Abstract: An apparatus for, and a method of, inserting flat articles, e.g. printed pre-products or additional products, parts of newspapers, goods samples, leaflets, fliers and other inserts, into folded printed products. Use is made of a rotary system with compartments which run along a closed circular rotary path and are oriented as a tangent or secant to the rotary path (U). This makes it possible for the printed products and the articles to be fed in the direction of rotation, as a result of which the forces acting on the products can be reduced. There are also advantages relating to format adaptation, since the opening angle of the product upon adjustment of the compartment base does not change to such a pronounced extent as is the case with radially oriented compartments.

Abstract: An inserter apparatus for inserting an item into a holder. The inserter apparatus includes a deck, a mover, an opening system, and a controller. The deck can slidably support the holder from a first location to an item loading location. The mover can move the holder along the deck, wherein the mover includes a drive motor, a conveyor connected to the drive motor, and a gripper connected to the conveyor. The drive motor is a servo motor. The opening system is at the item loading location for opening the holder and inserting the item into the holder. The controller is connected to the servo motor. The controller is adapted to vary speed of the servo motor to thereby vary speed of the conveyor and the holder along the deck.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first feed path configured to transport an envelope from an input at an envelope supply to an insertion location, and a second feed path configured to transport the envelope with a mail piece insert therein from the insertion location to an output. The first and second feed paths intersect at an intersection spaced from the insertion location. The paths are angled relative to each other at the intersection.

Abstract: A system and method for preparing mail packages to be sent to recipients includes a carrier envelope with a front address window and a back window. A content document having a style code printed on it is positioned at the back of the carrier envelope. The content style code is positioned to be visible through the back window of the carrier envelope. A reply envelope is enclosed with an address area aligned with the front window of the carrier envelope. Mail packages are prepared by storing a corresponding content style for the recipient. While transported, the content style code is scanned. From the style code, a recipient having the corresponding content style is selected from the stored list. That recipients name and address are printed onto the address area of the reply envelope.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes a first processing unit, a second processing unit, a roller, a guide member, and a conveying unit. The first processing unit applies first processing to a recording medium. The second processing unit applies second processing to the recording medium. The roller has a conveying path to convey the recording medium from the first processing unit to the second processing unit along the outer circumference. The guide member guides the recording medium to the conveying path to lead the recording medium to the second processing unit. The conveying unit applies a conveying force to a stack of recording media at an upstream of the guide member in a recording-medium conveying direction.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a frame, a rotatable first shaft, wherein the first shaft includes a first cam, a rotatable second shaft, an item gripper connected to the second shaft by a connection including a link and an offset shaft rotatably connected to the link, and a linkage. The link is adapted to rotate with the second shaft for pivoting the offset shaft about the second shaft. The item gripper includes jaws adapted to open and close when the offset shaft is axially rotated relative to the link. The linkage connects the first cam on the first shaft to a rider on the offset shaft. The linkage includes a second having a stepped surface for a stepped movement of the rider along the stepped surface to open the jaws during a predetermined angular movement of the offset shaft about the center axis of the second shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting a paper or film object or a stack of such objects into an envelope. A feeding apparatus moves the object toward an insertion station and a vacuum drum has a surface adapted to engage and move the envelope toward the insertion station. A ramp element is coupled to the vacuum drum and is adapted to support a leading portion of the envelope as the envelope moves With the vacuum drum.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preparing presentation instruments for distribution. Some of the methods include reading a code from a distribution stock, accessing a database and determining a presentation instrument to be associated with the distribution stock, selecting the presentation instrument, and associating the presentation instrument with the distribution stock. The various systems include hardware and/or software components for implementing the methods.

Abstract: Inserting systems and methods are provided for use in sheet processing. The inserting systems and methods provide improved handling of sheet articles during processing. Sheet articles can be advantageously and efficiently advanced in separate stacks and later combined for insertion into an envelope. For insertion into an envelope, the mouth of the envelope can be selectively variably opened depending upon the amount of insertion material to go into the envelope where the amount an envelope is to be opened can be based upon processing or job information. Sheet articles can be registered and aligned to facilitate processing efficiencies. Sheet articles with creases, such as envelopes with mouth flaps, can be processed through a roller system to bend the crease so that the flap of the envelope assumes a desired position for subsequent processing. Additionally, sheet articles can be processed through a staging station with increased capacity for sheet processing.

Abstract: Method for producing multiple small custom envelope jobs using a sheet fed envelope machine. Multiple different envelope jobs are provided as stacks of sheets of envelope stock to a high volume envelope machine for processing into folded envelopes. Each envelope job stack includes a first sheet that, when processed by the machine, yields an envelope with visually distinctive edges. At the output of the envelope machine, the group of envelopes in an envelope job is indicated by the distinctive envelopes formed from first sheets.

Abstract: A materials handling system includes a feeder station having a plurality of material feeders and an insertion subsystem. Each of the plurality of feeders are connected to a common material transport path. A first material transport path is connected to the common material transport path and to the insertion subsystem. A second material transport path is connected to the common material transport path and to the insertion subsystem. A third material transport path is connected to the first material transport path and to said insertion subsystem. The second material transport path may include a materials processing subsystem such as a folder subsystem. The common materials transport may include a pre-fold accumulator transport having a pre-fold accumulator gate. A first diverter may be provided to selectively divert materials being transported by the pre-fold accumulator transport to the first or to the second material transport.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates generally to mailpieces and more particularly, a hazardous material detector for detecting hazardous material in a mail stream. The present invention is directed, in general to detector for collecting sample(s) of hazardous materials from a mail processing device. The mailpiece generally comprises an envelope comprising a front side and a back side; holes formed in at least one of the front side or the back side of the envelope; a hazardous material test strip for detecting the presence of hazardous material in contact with the test strip; whereby when hazardous materials are detected by the hazardous material test strip a physical change occurs to the hazardous material test strip and the physical change can be viewed through at least one hole formed in the at least one of the front side or the back side of the envelope. The detector helps to quickly determine whether hazardous materials are present in the mail stream.

Abstract: Inserter with a folding assembly for folding documents, an envelope holder for each time holding an envelope in a stuffing position in or against a surface, a document transport path for transporting documents from the folding assembly, around one of the folding rollers to the stuffing position, and a flap hold-open element on a first side of the document transport path for holding open a flap of an envelope held in the envelope holder. A most downstream guide of the document transport path on the first side of the document transport path is situated opposite one of the folding rollers for guiding documents between that folding roller and that guide, so that documents are driven to the stuffing position by said one of the folding rollers (8).

Abstract: A page buffer for receiving and holding, in queue, pages prepared by a printer and subsequently processed by mailpiece inserter. The page buffer includes pairs of vertically-aligned rollers defining a plurality of page stations therebetween. Each pair of rollers is spaced-apart and defines a nip for driving printed pages along a feed path. Furthermore, each page station is defined by and between a first pair of rollers disposed downstream of an adjacent second pair of rollers. A drive means is also provided for independently driving the pairs of vertically-aligned rollers. The drive means is controlled such that, in a first operating mode, the pairs cooperate to drive printed pages along the feed path. In a second operating mode, the drive means is controlled such that at least one of the page stations causes its respective first pair of rollers to retain and hold a leading edge portion of a printed page while the adjacent second pair drives and releases a trailing edge portion of the printed page.

Abstract: A mailpiece inserter system is provided including a User PC or computer, a mailpiece inserter and a client server which are network connected to share information and data concerning mail run data. The user computer is operative to receive operator input in connection with mail run data and produce mailpiece content material having assembly code information. The mailpiece inserter is operative to receive the mailpiece content material and assemble the mailpiece content material in combination with envelops to form a plurality of mailpieces. The client server is operative to receive the mail run data for storing and tracking information concerning the assembly of each mailpiece. The communication network may be disabled in an open loop control mode to facilitate rapid mailpiece processing and enabled in a closed loop control mode to facilitate tracking, reconciliation and security of mailpiece assembly.

Abstract: A materials handling system includes an insertion subsystem for inserting materials into envelopes to form mailpieces of a first type and mailpieces of a second type. The materials handling syatem also includes a first mailpiece transport path located downstream from the insertion subsystem and having a curved portion along which mailpieces of said first type are transported, and a second mailpiece transport path being substantially horizontal, located downstream from the insertion subsystem, and along which mailpieces of the second type are transported. Further, a diverter is included that diverts mailpieces of the first type to the first transport path and mailpieces of the second type to the second transport path.

Abstract: Inserter with a stuffing assembly for each time inserting a document into an envelope in the stuffing position. In the operating position, a document feeder or the exit for outputting finished mail items is situated at the front side of the housing, and the envelope holder is accessible exclusively from a rear side of the housing. The housing has at least one foot or feet for supporting the housing via the foot or feet with respect to a supporting surface on which the apparatus stands. The foot is or, respectively, feet are arranged for allowing the rotation of the housing between the operating position and a loading position while the housing rests on the supporting surface via the foot or feet, and for keeping the housing supported in said positions.

Abstract: A method for producing unique and personalized pieces of mail, including integrating envelope production with the production of the documents for insertion within the envelopes. The machine for producing the pieces of mail includes a device for producing, from the same width of paper, both the documents and the envelopes designed to contain the documents. A longitudinal cutting device cuts the documents to the correct width and forms the flaps of the envelopes. A transverse cutting device separates the documents from the envelopes and cuts them to the correct length. A device assembles the documents with the corresponding envelope. A gluing and folding device closes the envelope while a central processing unit regulates at least the cutting devices, according to the number and format of the documents, and the stuffed envelopes to be produced.

Abstract: Method for producing multiple small custom envelope jobs using a sheet fed envelope machine. Multiple different envelope jobs are provided as stacks of sheets of envelope stock to a high volume envelope machine for processing into folded envelopes. Each envelope job stack includes a first sheet that, when processed by the machine, yields an envelope with visually distinctive edges. At the output of the envelope machine, the group of envelopes in an envelope job is indicated by the distinctive envelopes formed from first sheets.

Abstract: According to the invention, an insertion system for collating sheets of printed material for insertion into an envelope is disclosed. The insertion system includes an insertion machine, application software and an operating system. Included in the application software is a first function and a second function, where the first function performs tracking for each packet and the second function controls operation of the insertion machine. Each packet includes a plurality of pieces of printed material that may ultimately be sealed in an envelope. The operating system runs the application software at any given instant and executes the first and second functions.

Abstract: An envelope-filling station for mail-processing systems. The station includes an enclosure feeder for transporting enclosures to an inserting arrangement pushing enclosures into envelopes in the same direction as the enclosure feeder. An envelope supply is positioned parallel to the enclosure feeding device. Envelopes are diagonally transported from the envelope supply to the inserting arrangement by an intermediate transport. A movable stop, in an active state, holds an envelope received in position for insertion of enclosures. When the movable stop is changed to an inactive state the filled envelope can be conveyed away from the envelope-filing station. The movable stop has a further intermediate stop position in which the stop is moved back, by a comparatively small distance in relation to the push-in movement, such that, under the driving frictional action of the intermediate envelope-conveying device, the filled envelope comes free of the push-in arrangement in the push-in direction.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for preparing mailpieces. A inserter system for assembling mailpieces in a mailing job is controlled in accordance with mailpiece records in a corresponding mailing control file. The inserter system scans control inserts included in the mailpieces fed into the mailpiece accumulations at a downstream station to verify corresponding mailpiece records. Initially the inserter system reads an initial, dummy control insert to accesses the mailing control file to initialized the upstream stations of the inserter system.

Abstract: A system for processing presentation instruments that includes a presentation instrument reservoir, a presentation instrument reader, a distribution stock holder, a distribution stock reader, two or more motor systems for advancing distribution stock and presentation instruments, and attaching the presentation instruments to the distribution stock. In some cases, the motor systems can interface to an interface controller via a serial interface, and the interface controller can be coupled to a process control computer via an Ethernet connection.

Abstract: An envelope-filling station for mail-processing systems. The station includes an enclosure feeder for transporting enclosures to an inserting arrangement pushing enclosures into envelopes in the same direction as the enclosure feeder. An envelope supply is positioned parallel to the enclosure feeding device. Envelopes are diagonally transported from the envelope supply to the inserting arrangement by an intermediate transport. A movable stop, in an active state, holds an envelope received in position for insertion of enclosures. When the movable stop is changed to an inactive state the filled envelope can be conveyed away from the envelope-filing station. The movable stop has a further intermediate stop position in which the stop is moved back, by a comparatively small distance in relation to the push-in movement, such that, under the driving frictional action of the intermediate envelope-conveying device, the filled envelope comes free of the push-in arrangement in the push-in direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides exemplary mail processing systems and methods, including systems and methods for retrieving paper sheets, statements, inserts and/or cards, and inserting same into an envelope. In one embodiment, an apparatus (200) includes a paper feeding mechanism (210) to feed sheets of paper into a collection bin (220) that is adapted to receive in a stack the sheets of paper. The apparatus includes a retrieval mechanism (230) to remove a bottom one of said sheets of paper from the stack, and a deionizer (240) that reduces static electricity in the vicinity of the stack. In this manner, the deionizer helps facilitate removal by the retrieval mechanism of only one of the sheets of paper at a time, by reducing static electricity on the sheets.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for preparing mailpieces. A inserter system for assembling mailpieces in a mailing job is controlled in accordance with mailpiece records in a corresponding mailing control file. The inserter system scans control inserts included in the mailpieces fed into the mailpiece accumulations at a downstream station to verify corresponding mailpiece records. Initially the inserter system reads an initial, dummy control insert to accesses the mailing control file to initialized the upstream stations of the inserter system.

Abstract: A module in an envelope insertion station for transporting an envelope to an enclosure material insertion location, which uses endless belts to move the envelope until it is stopped by rotatable stops. A fixedly-mounted vacuum module having vacuum ports provides a suction force to the envelope urging the trailing edge of the envelope to press against the belts and provides the normal force required to move an envelope downstream as it enters the insertion deck without slippage against the translating endless belts. Additionally, a second vacuum module having vacuum ports provides suction force urging the leading edge of the envelope to press against the belts and provides the normal force required to prohibit the leading edge of the envelope from buckling during impact with the rotatable stops. The second vacuum module is removably mounted and mechanically linked to the rotatable stops so they can be repositioned together to accommodate different-sized envelopes.

Abstract: An inserting device has at least one transport device having at least one first transport element for transporting envelopes. At least one downstream station is arranged downstream of the at least one transport device. The envelopes are supplied to the at least one downstream station such that the envelopes are deposited in the at least one downstream station in an overlap arrangement. The overlap arrangement can be an imbricated arrangement or a stacked overlap arrangement. An inserting unit is arranged downstream of the at least one downstream station, and the envelopes are supplied to the inserting unit in the overlap arrangement.