Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a sheet supporting portion, a regulating portion, a feeding portion, an image forming unit, a sheet detection unit, and a control unit. The control unit is configured to execute, in a state where an image forming job in which an image is formed by the image forming unit is interrupted, a drive processing of the feeding portion such that (a) the feeding portion is driven at a first timing if the regulating portion is not set to a moved state within a predetermined period of time from when the sheet detection unit has detected the sheet, and (b) the feed portion is driven at a second timing later than the first timing if the regulating portion is set to the moved state within the predetermined period of time from when the sheet detection unit has detected the sheet.

Abstract: A method for opening an envelope throat of an envelope transported along an envelope channel dependably opens the envelope throat of the envelope during insertion in an inserter. The envelope, in order to open the envelope throat, is first over-pressed against a counter-pressure and then the counter-pressure is released to open the envelope throat, and/or the envelope is over-pressed against the hold-down force that holds the envelope down on an envelope transport, in order to open the envelope throat. For this purpose, an inserter inserts one or more items into an envelope moving along an envelope channel.

Abstract: The system is the combination of an envelope feeder and a laser printer, with some additional control mechanisms. An envelope conveyor system is positioned adjacent to a media input slot on a laser printer and envelopes are fed into a pickup assembly positioned within the media input slot in a controlled manner. By controlling the conveyor speed, a stack of envelopes having a limited and known number of envelopes is accumulated within the pickup assembly such that the pickup roller in the assembly can feed envelopes into the printer at a rate equal to or greater than the speed at which the printer can apply an image to each envelope. A control circuit provides a feedback signal to the conveyor to control conveyor motor actuation. The result is a smaller, less expensive and simpler feed system for an envelope printer.

Abstract: A method for applying a lubricant to a pressure relief valve during the process of applying the pressure relief valve to packaging. The method includes temporarily separating layers of the valve with a vacuum applicator when the lubricant is applied. A pressurized nozzle sprays or atomizes the lubricant into the valve opening. Graphite suspended in liquid silicone is used as the lubricant; it is recirculated in a reservoir to keep the graphite in suspension. Optical sensors check for valves before the entrance to, and after exit from, the vacuum applicator.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting one or more goods into a moving cover includes a cover transport, and at least one filling aid configured to move at least partially into the cover and to be maintained within the cover during at least a part of the movement of the cover.

Abstract: A printing apparatus prints an image in a right direction based on an open/close state of a flap of a held envelope and on a position of the flap received from a user. A control method for controlling a printing apparatus, includes determining whether an envelope having a flap is held by a holding unit with its flap opened or the envelope is held by the holding unit with its flap closed, receiving, from a user, a front end, a far side, or a back end in the conveyance direction of the envelope as a position of the flap of the envelope held by the holding unit, and performing control such that a direction of an image to be printed on the envelope is decided based on a result of the determination and on the received position of the flap, and the image is printed on the envelope.

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for loading at least one media item into a media item container. The apparatus includes at least one rotatable member comprising an outer surface including a plurality of apertures connected to at least one chamber where a negative pressure is selectively provided. The apparatus also includes a guide that guides each incoming item of media transported to the rotatable member. The rotatable member is rotatable when negative pressure is provided at the chamber region to locate a media item secured to the rotatable member by suction from the guide into the media item container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing mail is provided. A feeder serially feeds envelope from a stack of mail. Two cutters at a cutting station cuts one or two edges of the envelopes. As the envelopes travel from the feeder to the cutters the envelope is jogged on two edges to justify the contents with the envelopes. Additionally, an improved feeder is provided to reduce the number of jams created when feeding the envelopes from the stack.

Abstract: A postal sorting machine for flat articles on edge, said machine comprising first belt conveyor means suitable for conveying said flat articles along a first path, a plurality of sorting outlets, each of which is associated with a separator flap mounted to move about a pivot axis between a first position in which it does not interfere with said first path and a second position in which it intersects said first path so as to direct said flat articles along a second path, said separator flap being suspended by a pivot rod extending on one side of said flap only, so that the zone under said separator flap is left free.

Abstract: An insertion system includes an enclosure supply device, an envelope supply device, an insertion device to insert an enclosure supplied from the enclosure supply device into the envelope supplied from the envelope supply device, a first input unit to input identification data of the enclosure inserted into the envelope in each of multiple insertion setting records, a second input unit to input identification data of the enclosure set in the enclosure container of the enclosure supply device, and a controller to determine whether the identification data of the enclosure to be inserted, input by the first input unit, matches the identification data of the enclosure set in the enclosure container, input by the second input unit, and to control supply of the envelope by the envelope supply device as well as supply of the enclosure by the enclosure supply device based on a result of the determination.

Abstract: A printing apparatus prints an image in a right direction based on an open/close state of a flap of a held envelope and on a position of the flap received from a user. A control method for controlling a printing apparatus, includes determining whether an envelope having a flap is held by a holding unit with its flap opened or the envelope is held by the holding unit with its flap closed, receiving, from a user, a front end, a far side, or a back end in the conveyance direction of the envelope as a position of the flap of the envelope held by the holding unit, and performing control such that a direction of an image to be printed on the envelope is decided based on a result of the determination and on the received position of the flap, and the image is printed on the envelope.

Abstract: A device for inserting sheets into an envelope comprises a holding device supporting the envelope. A support portion of the holding device is inserted into the envelope. The support portion has a fixed orientation and position relative to a feed device. The device further comprises a mechanism for preparing the envelope for accommodating the support portion of the holding device. The mechanism is upstream of the holding device and comprises a first interaction device, acting onto the envelope in a first direction during feeding of the envelope and a second interaction device downstream of the first interaction device, acting onto the envelope in a second, opposite direction. The second interaction device comprises at least one cam on a rotatable shaft. By rotation the shaft and cam may be brought into an interaction position, with the envelope, or an inactive position.

Abstract: The printing apparatus for printing at least an address on an envelope that is set to a paper tray includes an envelope size detection portion for scanning an address print side of an envelope set to the paper tray to detect a size of the envelope based on a read image of the address print side; a print position setting portion for setting a print position of an address corresponding to the read size of the envelope; and a data synthesis processing portion for synthesizing the read image of the address print side and an image of the address at a position set by the print position setting portion and previews the synthesized address print image of the envelope on a display device.

Abstract: A printing apparatus capable of connecting a post-processing apparatus includes a printing unit configured to convey an envelope so that the long edge of the envelope can become a leading edge in conveyance direction and print an image on the envelope. When the post-processing apparatus is connected, the printing apparatus restricts from conveying the envelope so that the long edge of the envelope becomes the leading edge in conveyance direction for printing the image on the envelope.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus includes: a sheet supplier configured to supply a recording medium; a first conveyor configured to convey the recording medium supplied from the sheet supplier in a conveying direction; a recording portion configured to record an image on the recording medium conveyed by the first conveyor; and a controller configured to detect an orientation of the recording medium with respect to the conveying direction while the recording medium is conveyed and change a conveying speed of the recording medium conveyed by the first conveyor depending on the detected orientation of the recording medium.

Abstract: A printing apparatus according to one aspect of this invention includes a sheet holding unit configured to hold an envelope, and a detection unit configured to detect an opening width between guides for guiding an envelope held by the sheet holding unit. The printing apparatus further includes an identifying unit configured to identify a flap size of the envelope based on the opening width detected by the detection unit and a size set for the envelope held by the sheet holding unit, and a printing unit configured to print an image on the envelope by shifting image data based on the flap size identified by the identifying unit.

Abstract: This invention relates to a printing apparatus and control method thereof. The standard size of an envelope to be stored in each of a plurality of paper storage units configured to store an envelope to be used in printing is set. An offset amount to be used to print an image on an envelope of the set standard size is set. A paper storage unit which stores an envelope to be used in printing is selected from the plurality of paper storage units based on a standard size of an envelope that is designated by a user. The position of an image is shifted in accordance with the set offset amount, and the image is printed on an envelope fed from the selected paper storage unit.

Abstract: A feeder for a mail-handling machine is provided with a conveyor device having at least one row of drive rollers comprising at least first and second drive rollers standing proud through a mailpiece-receiving deck of the feeder and controlled by a suitable drive mechanism, said first and second drive rollers being inclined at an angle ? relative to a perpendicular to a longitudinal referencing wall, and the second drive roller being driven in rotation with a first predetermined delay relative to the first drive roller, which is the closer to the referencing wall.

Abstract: A device for inserting sheets into an envelope comprises a holding device supporting the envelope. A support portion of the holding device is inserted into the envelope. The support portion has a fixed orientation and position relative to a feed device. The device further comprises a mechanism for preparing the envelope for accommodating the support portion of the holding device. The mechanism is upstream of the holding device and comprises a first interaction device, acting onto the envelope in a first direction during feeding of the envelope and a second interaction device downstream of the first interaction device, acting onto the envelope in a second, opposite direction. The second interaction device comprises at least one cam on a rotatable shaft. By rotation the shaft and cam may be brought into an interaction position, with the envelope, or an inactive position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a printing apparatus and control method thereof. The standard size of an envelope to be stored in each of a plurality of paper storage units configured to store an envelope to be used in printing is set. An offset amount to be used to print an image on an envelope of the set standard size is set. A paper storage unit which stores an envelope to be used in printing is selected from the plurality of paper storage units based on a standard size of an envelope that is designated by a user. The position of an image is shifted in accordance with the set offset amount, and the image is printed on an envelope fed from the selected paper storage unit.

Abstract: When conveying an envelope, a posture of the envelope is corrected by hitting a closed portion of the envelope, which is opposite side of an opened portion of the envelope, against a nip portion between upper and lower rollers of the pre-registration rollers and the envelope is then conveyed with the envelope being nipped by the upper and lower rollers of the pre-registration rollers. The upper and lower rollers of the pre-registration rollers nip the envelope to remove air from the envelope. When setting an envelope mode to control a conveying speed of the envelope based on a coverage rate of an image to be formed on the envelope, the conveying speed of the envelope is controlled by adjusting a rotation speed of the registration rollers based on the coverage rate of the set envelope mode.

Abstract: An envelope warpage correcting device includes a sheet feeding portion, a correction means and a control portion. The sheet feeding portion feeds envelopes one-by-one in a state where the envelopes are stacked on a sheet feed table and a rear end portion opposite to a flap portion formed in a front end portion of each of the envelopes is set to a leading portion in a sheet feed direction. The correction means corrects warpage occurring at a side of the rear end portion of the envelope fed by the sheet feeding portion. The control portion controls processing for correcting the warpage occurring at the side of the rear end portion by the correcting portion at certain timing according to an attribution of the envelope.

Abstract: A printing apparatus capable of connecting a post-processing apparatus includes a printing unit configured to convey an envelope so that the long edge of the envelope can become a leading edge in conveyance direction and print an image on the envelope. When the post-processing apparatus is connected, the printing apparatus restricts from conveying the envelope so that the long edge of the envelope becomes the leading edge in conveyance direction for printing the image on the envelop.

Abstract: The invention can be used with an automated mail tray filling apparatus for taking envelopes from a vertical stacker output of an inserter machine and placing them in mail trays. A take-away feeder is positioned over the vertical stacker table and is arranged to withdraw individual envelopes from the vertical stack in a sideways direction. The envelope is then redirected in a downward direction by ejecting the envelope into an open space. A downward tamping mechanism positioned above the open space moves downward to push on a top edge of the free-floating envelope. A downward transport positioned beneath the open space receives and transports envelopes pushed downward by the downward tamping mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method weigh an object, in particular a flat item of mail, during transport. A conveying device having an endless conveying belt and a counterpart conveying element is able to temporarily grip an object in a clamping region and to transport it in a transporting direction. Weighing scales are able to weigh the object while the object is gripped in a clamping region. The damping element is configured to damp vibrations of an object gripped in the clamping region. The damping element has a surface which is curved in the transporting direction. The endless conveying belt is guided in such a way around the curved surface that the endless conveying belt rests areally against the curved surface in a damping region and the endless conveying belt and the counterpart conveying element are configured to guide the object gripped in the clamping region past the curved surface.

Abstract: A printing apparatus capable of connecting a post-processing apparatus includes a printing unit configured to convey an envelope so that the long edge of the envelope can become a leading edge in conveyance direction and print an image on the envelope. When the post-processing apparatus is connected, the printing apparatus restricts from conveying the envelope so that the long edge of the envelope becomes the leading edge in conveyance direction for printing the image on the envelop.

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 storage device for a franking machine, which storage device comprises: a receptacle for receiving mailpieces ejected one-by-one by the franking machine; a longitudinal referencing wall extending over a longitudinal edge of the receptacle and against which the mailpieces rebound before they accumulate on the receptacle; and a vertical back wall extending along a side edge of the receptacle and that the mailpieces hit before they rebound against the longitudinal referencing wall; the vertical back wall forming an angle ? with a perpendicular to the longitudinal referencing wall; and the receptacle being inclined relative to the horizontal and towards the longitudinal referencing wall at an angle ? so that the angle ? between the receptacle and the longitudinal referencing wall forms an acute angle.

Abstract: When conveying an envelope, a posture of the envelope is corrected by hitting a closed portion of the envelope, which is opposite side of an opened portion of the envelope, against a nip portion between upper and lower rollers of the pre-registration rollers and the envelope is then conveyed with the envelope being nipped by the upper and lower rollers of the pre-registration, rollers. The upper and lower rollers of the pre-registration rollers nip the envelope to remove air from the envelope. When setting an envelope mode to control a conveying speed of the envelope based on a coverage rate of an image to be formed on the envelope, the conveying speed of the envelope is controlled by adjusting a rotation speed of the registration rollers based on the coverage rate of the set envelope mode.

Abstract: A sheet feed device feeding paper including; a loading platen loaded with sheets; a ventilation section providing a first ventilation port for blowing air to float a first side of a sheet of one sheet of the sheets loaded on the loading platen, and a second ventilation port for blowing air to float a second side opposed to the first side; and a control section for controlling the ventilation section; wherein the first side is a side of a topmost of loaded envelopes, the side of which height is lower than other sides, and when envelopes are to be fed, the control section controls the ventilation section to change air volume of the first ventilation port and the second ventilation port so as to float the first side more greatly than in case when sheets other than envelopes are fed.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a pinch roller lifting mechanism. The pinch roller lifting mechanism includes drive rollers for holding and transferring a medium, the drive rollers arranged adjacent to each other along a first axis, pinch rollers for holding the medium with the drive rollers, a plate-like member extending along the first axis, wherein the plate-like member includes an opening, a support member having a first end section on which the pinch rollers are provided, a cam slidably provided on the plate-like member, the cam comprising a guide section that abuts against a second end section of the support member and engages the opening of the plate-like member, a pulley operationally connected to a drive motor for pulling the plate-like member in a first direction, and a spring that biases the plate-like member in a direction opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A discharge mechanism includes a rotating shaft that is rotatable, a plurality of roll portions provided around the rotating shaft, an opposing member provided above the roll portions so as to oppose the roll portions, the opposing member holding and conveying a material to be conveyed, in cooperation with the roll portions so that the material to be conveyed is discharged onto a discharge section, and a protrusion formed on an outer periphery of the rotating shaft, the protrusion not protruding beyond the outer diameter of the roll portions.

Abstract: A transfer device for mail items with a transfer unit which has an ejection point for transferring individualized mail items to an item carrier is provided. Further, the transfer device includes a transport device for transporting the mail items to the ejection point in a direction of transport. The transport device includes two belts for holding the mail items on both sides and for transporting the mail items and further has means for adapting a space between the belts to the thickness of a mail item. The means for adapting is a belt tilt means which is pivotal about an axis of rotation, the pivotal movement pivoting one of the belts and therefore a distance between the belts is variable.

Abstract: A printing apparatus capable of connecting a post-processing apparatus includes a printing unit configured to convey an envelope so that the long edge of the envelope can become a leading edge in conveyance direction and print an image on the envelope. When the post-processing apparatus is connected, the printing apparatus restricts from conveying the envelope so that the long edge of the envelope becomes the leading edge in conveyance direction for printing the image on the envelop.

Abstract: An image forming system includes an SSP unit (sorting guide portion and envelope chuck portion) that functions as an enclosing unit or an enclosing device to enclose, in envelopes, paper on which an image is formed by a copy machine functioning as an image forming device, a weight measuring device that includes a load cell to measure the weight of the paper-enclosed envelopes, and a sorting device that sorts the paper-enclosed envelopes, on the basis of weight data of each of the paper-enclosed envelopes of which the weight is measured by the weight measuring device.

Abstract: This invention relates to a printing apparatus and control method thereof. The standard size of an envelope to be stored in each of a plurality of paper storage units configured to store an envelope to be used in printing is set. An offset amount to be used to print an image on an envelope of the set standard size is set. A paper storage unit which stores an envelope to be used in printing is selected from the plurality of paper storage units based on a standard size of an envelope that is designated by a user. The position of an image is shifted in accordance with the set offset amount, and the image is printed on an envelope fed from the selected paper storage unit.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus includes: a sheet supplier configured to supply a recording medium; a first conveyor configured to convey the recording medium supplied from the sheet supplier in a conveying direction; a recording portion configured to record an image on the recording medium conveyed by the first conveyor; and a controller configured to detect an orientation of the recording medium with respect to the conveying direction while the recording medium is conveyed and change a conveying speed of the recording medium conveyed by the first conveyor depending on the detected orientation of the recording medium.

Abstract: An envelope opener is that includes a table for routing documents along a longitudinal document guide wall and a cutting device for cutting off an edge of an envelope is described. The guide wall is movable laterally relative to the cutting device into a plurality of lateral or cutting positions in order to obtain a plurality of cutting widths. The machine also includes a bypass control to enable driving a document in the downstream direction when the cutter device is in the non-cutting position to enable counting envelopes without opening them.

Abstract: A storage device for a mail-handling machine, said storage device comprising a mailpiece-receiving deck along a longitudinal edge of which a referencing wall extends, and through which a conveyor belt passes for the purpose of conveying mailpieces along said referencing wall, and a shock-absorber ramp that is mounted against the referencing wall and that is hit by the mailpieces after they are ejected from said mail-handling machine, and before they fall back down onto the conveyor belt so as to be conveyed towards the sloping surface.

Abstract: A mailpiece feed device comprising a mailpiece-receiving deck for receiving a stack of mailpieces, conveyor rollers for conveying the mailpieces along a longitudinal referencing wall and towards a separator device designed to separate the mailpieces one-by-one from said stack of mailpieces and to convey them downstream, and, incorporated vertically in said longitudinal referencing wall, at least one friction roller of varying roughness, with its coefficient of friction decreasing from the top to the bottom of said longitudinal referencing wall.

Abstract: A postal sorting machine comprising an automatic feed station (8) with an unstacker device (2), a manual feed station (9), and a sorting conveyor adapted to move mailpieces in series one behind another in a conveying direction (31), the automatic feed station being designed to feed the conveyor automatically with mailpieces from a stack of mailpieces, the manual feed station (9) being adapted to receive mailpieces inserted individually and to place them in the conveyor. The manual feed station (9) comprises a protective cover forming a sort of tunnel over the conveyor, and an insertion slot (26) provided in the protective cover and through which a mailpiece can be inserted into the tunnel, said slot being in vertical alignment with a mailpiece receiving and handling space (34) for receiving and handling a mailpiece in the conveyor, which space is funnel-shaped.

Abstract: A storage device for a mail-handling machine, said storage device comprising a mailpiece-receiving deck along a longitudinal edge of which a referencing wall extends, and through which a conveyor belt passes for the purpose of conveying mailpieces along said referencing wall from an inlet of the device towards a sloping surface against which said mailpieces accumulate, said storage device further comprising a pivot arm that is mounted to move both vertically about hinge pin and horizontally along a slide rail, on which arm firstly a friction roller is mounted for pressing said mailpieces against the conveyor belt, and secondly a holding roller is mounted for pressing said mailpieces against the sloping surface.

Abstract: A mailpiece selector device comprising a guide co-operating with at least one opposing selector roller to separate mailpieces one-by-one from a stack of mailpieces and to transport them downstream, said guide having at least one selector lever that can pivot about a pivot axis against resilient return means, and the selector lever having a vertical section formed by an involute of a circle, the base circle of which is formed by the pivot axis.

Abstract: A print module for printing mailpieces comprises a print head assembly operative to deposit ink on each mailpiece and a registration plate for registering a first surface of each of the mailpieces during print operations. The print module includes a conveyor belt opposing the registration plate and engaging a second surface of each of the mailpieces for conveyance along a feed path. Disposed beneath and supporting an underside surface of the conveyor belt, is a continuous compliant deck operative to urge the conveyor belt and mailpieces toward the registration plate during printing. The compliant deck is also operative to print consecutive mailpieces of variable thickness dimension. The print module also includes a pivotable support rack for mounting the print head assembly to a housing.

Abstract: A sheet feed device feeding paper including; a loading platen loaded with sheets; a ventilation section providing a first ventilation port for blowing air to float a first side of a sheet of one sheet of the sheets loaded on the loading platen, and a second ventilation port for blowing air to float a second side opposed to the first side; and a control section for controlling the ventilation section; wherein the first side is a side of a topmost of loaded envelopes, the side of which height is lower than other sides, and when envelopes are to be fed, the control section controls the ventilation section to change air volume of the first ventilation port and the second ventilation port so as to float the first side more greatly than in case when sheets other than envelopes are fed.

Abstract: An envelope feed apparatus comprises a main body having a bottom; top (located opposite the bottom); and sides (located between the bottom and the top). The main body top has a flat surface that supports, for example, a stack of envelopes. The envelope feed apparatus also has a slider that includes sides contacting at least two of the main body sides. The slider sides move in a parallel direction to the main body sides as the slider moves relative to the main body. The slider has at least one roller connected to opposing slider sides. The roller(s) are positioned adjacent the main body top. The roller(s) move in a perpendicular direction to the flat surface of the main body top as the slider moves relative to the main body. The roller(s) contact the stack of envelopes when the stack of envelopes is on the flat surface of the main body top and apply pressure to the stack of envelopes in the perpendicular direction toward the flat surface of the main body top.

Abstract: A method and system for converting mail between trays in a multiple pass mail sorting system using a plurality of different tray types. Mail from a first type of tray is unloaded and stacked along with mail from other trays to form a large stack. The large stack of mail is then broken down into smaller stacks which are transferred to one of several outputs where the mail is loaded into different types of trays.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for registering and moving a sheet article along a path that can use an actuator to mimic a biased device such as a spring-loaded device. The actuator can include a solenoid and an arm. The movement of the arm with the solenoid can be done by pulse-width modulation by providing a high pulse-width modulation duty cycle to the solenoid to provide a resistive force on the arm and providing a low pulse-width modulation duty cycle to the solenoid to provide a less resistive force on the arm. Inserting stations use in sheet article inserting system that employ the actuator are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for weighing an article, such as a mail piece, while the article is moving at high speed. An article (900) is received from an intake transport (1200), and gripped in a weighing station (1310), in between a capstan roller and a pinch roller (1316), which are synchronized to minimize slipping. A first precision servo system (1252, 1250) alters the speed of the article, and in the process acquires torque data for storage and analysis (1212, 1282). A second precision servo system (1260,1330) applies a constant force, via a tension arm (1320), urging the pinch roller (1316) against the capstan roller, independently of the thickness of the mail piece. Fourier analysis can conveniently be applied for analyzing the acquired current data and comparing to stored calibration data to determine weight. Weight is determined without regard to the actual speed of the moving article.