Abstract: A paper-handling unit serves for generating groups of items, wherein each group includes a plurality of items. The paper-handling unit includes at least one input channel for receiving the items, a portion to generate groups from the received items, a drive-out station for driving out a generated group, a detector detecting predetermined features from the items of a driven-out group, and a controller. The controller is operable to determine whether a predetermined event has occurred to drive the drive-out station to drive out a group if the predetermined event has occurred, to determine whether information was obtained from the detector during a predetermined interval, to stop the paper-handling unit if no information was obtained from the detector during the predetermined interval, and to stop the paper-handling unit if information was obtained from the detector during the predetermined interval which indicates that the driven-out group does not meet at least one predetermined criterion.

Abstract: A home control and automation system and method. The system generally includes one or more wireless remote controls, a plurality of appliances (including network enabled appliances and traditional legacy appliances in the exemplary system), associated control centric devices, and associated content centric devices. Various methods for control and operation of appliances in the networked home control and automation environment are disclosed. Specifically, methods are disclosed which enable advanced home control features such as location based control setup and operation, network enabled legacy appliances and system integration, save and recall capabilities for appliance and media states, generic command based appliance controls, dynamic/complex macro command generation, and Internet based control capabilities from remote locations are disclosed in conjunction with the system of the current invention.

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: A method of combining mail streams in a printing finishing process including the acts of generating a master mailing list having a sequence, forming a first mail stream, forming a second mail stream, and combining the first mail stream and the second mail stream according to the sequence of the master mailing list.

Abstract: The combination of a plurality of streams of printed products. The first stream of products is selectively inserted into a packaging device while being merged into a second stream of products.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing selectively collated print products employ a production section, a control device, a transfer-out device for transferring out defective print products, a detection device that detects and records gaps resulting from the transfer out of defective print products, and a transfer-in device. Initially, a line of print products are processed in a production section; a predetermined number of print products are diverted from the production section and supplied to a product buffer. If the print products are not diverted, the line of print products continue in a conveying section and gaps between the print products are detected and recorded via the detection device. A number of print products are removed from the product buffer based on a control signal from the control device to fill detected gaps between print products in the conveying section; and the removed print products are inserted into the recorded gaps.

Abstract: In a mail inserting machine that a user uses to process mailpieces for a prepaid quantity, a counter is installed in an inaccessible manner to keep count of the processed mailpieces. The machine is disabled when the prepaid quantity is used up. In order to allow the user to pay for additional quantity, the manufacturer embeds a finite number of unlocking codes in the machine. Each code for the particular machine is activated in sequence. When the user needs to replenish the inserter counter, he calls the service counter and gives his machine serial number. The user is given the next unlocking code after he agrees to pay for the additional amount. The user can enter the code to unlock the additional preset quantity. The same code will not work again. In a further embodiment, the rate of mailpiece processing is also monitored to ensure that design limitations are not exceeded. The machine is automatically shut down when a predetermined processing rate is exceeded.

Abstract: An integrated remote control and integrated scanner (20) for use with a mail inserter (10), including a user interface and device logic module (20b), a transceiver (20a) for wirelessly communicating with the mail inserter (10), and an (embedded) scanner (20c), all provided as a single hand-held device (20). An operator can use the device (20) to send remote control commands to the mail inserter (10) and also operate the included scanner (20c) (used, e.g., for obtaining scan codes of mail pieces so that the operator can indicate to the mail inserter (10) whether to recreate the mailpiece).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling personalized CDs, DVDs and other types of optical disks, magnetic media, and data storage devices into magazines, catalogs, pamphlets, and other printed products in order to enhance the amount and quality of personalization associated with the printed product includes reading and/or writing personalized information to/from a data storage device and assembling the data storage device within a printed product that is to be delivered to a particular individual. The reading and/or writing of personalized information may be directed to either digital information stored on the data storage device or to more conventional optical indicia that is printed on and/or optically scanned from the data storage device.

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: A method of allocating excess space associated with a primary component includes determining the excess space associated with the primary component, identifying at least one information insert compatible with the excess space, providing an output advertising the excess space, and receiving a request in response to the output. The request may be based at least in part on the at least one information insert. The method also includes associating the at least one information insert with the primary component.

Abstract: A media handling system comprises a configuration of N linked modules. Each module has an order based on the module's linkage in the configuration. Thus, a first module of order 1 links to a second module of order 2, the second module links to a third module of order 3, etc., and an (N?1)th module of order (N?1) links to an Nth module of order N. A feeder module feeds a sheet of media to downstream modules. Each downstream module sends a reporting message to an included controller. The reporting message includes the time the module processed the sheet and the module's reported type. For each reporting module, the controller determines the module's order and type based on the reported time and reported type in the module's reporting message. The controller validates the configuration by determining when the order and the type for the reporting modules match a predetermined pattern.

Abstract: A method of combining mail streams in a printing finishing process including the acts of generating a master mailing list having a sequence, forming a fist mail stream, forming a second mail stream, and combining the first mail stream and the second mail stream according to the sequence of the master mailing list.

Abstract: 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: A method, system, and storage medium for facilitating a transport scheme in an automated material handling system environment are provided. The method includes detecting an occurrence of a trigger event while monitoring production operations in an automated material handling system environment, identifying a materials candidate to purge from a production line in response to the trigger event, production data captured relating to the materials candidate, and user-defined criteria for purging materials from the production line. The method also includes selecting a disposition plan for handling the materials candidate, generating a transport process job for the materials candidate for instructing the automated material handling system on executing the disposition plan, and transmitting the transport process job to the automated material handling system for execution.

Abstract: A library for storing a cartridge of data-storage media includes a removable module and a chassis having a module receptacle. Cartridge storage slots are disposed within the chassis, and a media drive is disposed within the removable module. A cartridge transporter is disposed within the chassis and transports the cartridge between one of the cartridge slots and the media drive when the module is inserted within the module receptacle. A library control circuit is disposed within the chassis and controls the cartridge transporter. An interface circuit is disposed within the removable module and electronically interfaces a host computer to the media drive, and, when the removable module is inserted within the module receptacle of the chassis, electronically interfaces the host computer to the library control circuit.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved insert machine for inserting flat material into an open pocket and, more particularly, to a straight line insert machine employed for printed matter such as newspapers. The machine includes an all-electronic control system for controlling machine functions. The control system includes at least one central control computer running under software control and a plurality of network controllers, all coupled together via a controller area network (CAN) bus. Electronic control messages for controlling machine elements are sent among the computers and controllers using a novel message protocol to enable both broadcast messages and individual messages to be employed.

Abstract: A device and method are for characterising component carriers provided with a plurality of electrical components to be fitted. The device includes at least one data carrier which is coupled to the components to be fitted, and in which at least technical data of the components is stored. The data carrier can be detected and read, and is designed in such a way that it can store other technical component data, logistical component data and/or operating data of the fitting installation. It is thus possible to take into account all operating states of a fitting installation, defective components, defective fitting processes, etc. during a fitting process in a fitting program, and/or to evaluate the corresponding data, and use it for optimizing and improving the fitting process.

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: In the case of a method of controlling the transport speed of a transport and gathering unit, wherein filling-material stacks are moved from an inlet to an outlet of the gathering path making use of at least one transport means and wherein filling-material units can selectively be added to the filling-material stacks at one or at several adding stations, at least one measure is determined for each filling-material stack at the inlet of the gathering path, each measure for each filling-material stack is increased at each adding station by a respective value corresponding to the filling-material unit added, if the filling-material stack has added thereto a filling-material unit, each measure of each filling-material stack is compared with a respective set value associated with the transport means, and the transport speed is controlled in dependence upon the result of the comparison.

Abstract: Systems and methods for selecting information to be included with a primary component. In some cases, the insert information can be advertisements or offers, and the insert information can be included with a primary component or printed on a primary component. Such primary components can be, for example, a scheduled bill or other planned mailing. In particular cases, the systems can include a multi-bay insert holder, a primary component, and an associated primary component holder. A microprocessor associated with a computer readable medium is included with instructions executable by the microprocessor to: determine the excess space associated with a primary component; identify at least one insert information compatible with the excess space that is to be associated with the primary component; and send a control signal to the insertion system. Various methods are also disclosed for associating insert information with primary components.

Abstract: Systems and methods for selecting inserts. In some cases, the inserts can be advertisements or offers, and the inserts are included with an offer item that can be, for example, a scheduled bill or other planned mailing. In particular cases, the systems can include a multi-bay insert holder, an offer item, and an associated offer item holder. A microprocessor associated with a computer readable medium is included with instructions executable by the microprocessor to: receive an external tickler, receive a decision rule, receive a decision information, apply the decision rule to the decision information, and send a control signal to the multi-bay insert holder. The control signal indicates an insert associated with the multi-bay insert holder to be placed in the offer item. Various methods are also disclosed for associating inserts with offer items.

Abstract: A method and system for regenerating misprocessed mailpieces and the like. Control documents are produced by a data processing system and transported to an inserter system. The inserter system inputs the control documents and assembles mailpieces in accordance with coded information on the documents. If the inserter system controller identifies a misprocessed mailpiece it writes a record, which can be a separate zero byte file, to a common data store. The data processing system accesses the record in the common data store and regenerates the control document. The inserter system processes the regenerated control document to regenerate the mailpiece.

Abstract: Systems and methods for selecting information to be included with a primary component. In some cases, the insert information can be advertisements or offers, and the insert information can be included with a primary component or printed on a primary component. Such primary components can be, for example, a scheduled bill or other planned mailing. In particular cases, the systems can include a multi-bay insert holder, a primary component, and an associated primary component holder. A microprocessor associated with a computer readable medium is included with instructions executable by the microprocessor to: determine the excess space associated with a primary component; identify at least one insert information compatible with the excess space that is to be associated with the primary component; and send a control signal to the insertion system. Various methods are also disclosed for associating insert information with primary components.

Abstract: Systems and methods for selecting inserts. In some cases, the inserts can be advertisements or offers, and the inserts are included with an offer item that can be, for example, a scheduled bill or other planned mailing. In particular cases, the systems can include a multi-bay insert holder, an offer item, and an associated offer item holder. A microprocessor associated with a computer readable medium is included with instructions executable by the microprocessor to: receive an external tickler, receive a decision rule, receive a decision information, apply the decision rule to the decision information, and send a control signal to the multi-bay insert holder. The control signal indicates an insert associated with the multi-bay insert holder to be placed in the offer item. Various methods are also disclosed for associating inserts with offer items.

Abstract: 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: Methods and apparatus of assembling a mailing are disclosed. According to one example, the method includes producing a stream of primary books on a production line, determining that a secondary book is to be inserted between first and second primary books on the production line, and creating a space between first and second primary books on the production line. The example method further includes inserting the secondary book into the space between the first and second primary books on the production line.

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 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: Progress of a semiconductor fabrication process is monitored by detecting data output by the process, and then correlating a specific process event to fluctuations in the output data over a time period of 10 milliseconds or less. In one embodiment, endpoint of a plasma chamber cleaning process may be identified by calculating standard deviation of intensity of optical chamber emissions based upon a local time period. The time at which standard deviation of optical emissions attains a steady state indicates endpoint of the cleaning process. Another approach to characterizing fluctuation is to perform a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) on the output emissions data, and then to plot over time the total power of the emissions over a relevant frequency range. The time at which total power attains a steady state also reveals endpoint of the process. Other techniques for characterizing fluctuation for process monitoring include calculation of the root-mean-square or entropy of an output signal.

Abstract: A self-contained multi-function system for preparing mail items, the system comprising a general-purpose computer for preparing a document to be sent and for preparing secure postage metering or “franking” information, a digital imaging device connected to the general-purpose computer so as to print both the document to be sent, and at least a destination address for the document but not the postage imprint on an envelope that is to receive the document, and a folder/inserter connected both to the digital imaging device and to the general-purpose computer so as to receive and fold the printed document, and, once the document has been inserted in the envelope, so as to affix the postage imprint selectively by performing a write operation in a writable microcircuit of an electronic tag carried by the envelope or by the document.

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 method and an apparatus for collating a plurality of groups of mail items, such as flats mail, each group being pre-sequenced according to prioritized delivery addresses, into a final sequenced set of the mail items from the groups, utilizing the prioritized delivery addresses. Each bundle of mail items is formed into a single input stream of the individual mail items. The mail items are transported along a conveyor system from the input stream to a staging station. The mail items are sorted at the staging station into a plurality of subsets of mail items re-sequenced as an intermediate step to achieving the final sequenced sets. The mail items are then collated and merged into a single output stream from the respective subsets of mail items in the final sequenced set. Portions of the output stream from the staging station are collected in batches which maintain the sequence consistent with the prioritized delivery order sequence of the mail for a given carrier route.

Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention comprises an apparatus for preparing a matched mailing, the apparatus comprising: an input means for feeding a document downstream to a scanner station; a scanner for scanning the document to obtain information, the scanner providing the information to a controller; an printer for printing information obtained from the controller onto the envelope, whereby the information obtained from the controller comprises information obtained by the scanner and corresponding to the document matched to the envelope.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved insert machine for inserting flat material into an open pocket and, more particularly, to a straight line insert machine employed for printed matter such as newspapers. The machine includes an all-electronic control system for controlling machine functions. The control system includes at least one central control computer running under software control and a plurality of network controllers, all coupled together via a controller area network (CAN) bus. Electronic control messages for controlling machine elements are sent among the computers and controllers using a novel message protocol to enable both broadcast messages and individual messages to be employed.

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 documents included in the mailpieces to identify corresponding mailpiece records. Initially the inserter system accesses the mailing control file to identify set-up parameter values for the current mailing job.

Abstract: A system and method for merge-sequencing ordered subsets of items into a single merged set in a predetermined sorted sequence and error-checking the resulting merged set to provide information about out of order items to allow for efficient error correction methods. The system uses an outcome verifier module to ensure that items placed onto the single merged set are in the proper sequence. Items that are not in the proper sequence are temporarily removed from the merged set. If it is determined that items are missing from the sorted sequence a placeholder may be inserted to mark the place of missing items.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for preventing components in an inserter machine from causing the inserter machine to stop or function less than optimally due to lack of proper attention from an operator. Accordingly, various component conditions are categorized based upon two or more levels of urgency, and each component having such a condition signals the category of urgency to an operator.

Abstract: A writing device for display members is provided which can erasably writing patient information on a display member carried on the side of a drug carrier and automatically attach and detach it to and from the carrier. The writing device has an attach/detach/transfer unit for detaching, attaching and transferring a rewrite card to a carrier carrying the rewrite card, and a writing means connected to the attach/detach/transfer means for writing and displaying patient information on the rewrite card. The respective means are controlled based on prescription information to attach and detach the rewrite card to and from the side of the carrier.

Abstract: For allowing a reduction in the processing capacity to be accommodated without a delay in a system, in which articles are supplied and transferred to an article processing device (8) from an article delivering device (4) in a regularly clock-cycled supply stream, articles are not transferred to the article processing device when there is no processing capacity. Instead, they are conveyed onwards along a return track (9) and are re-introduced into the supply stream at a return point (6) upstream of the transfer point (7). For each re-introduction of a returned article into the supply stream, a gap is produced in the supply stream in a gap formation point (5) upstream of the return point (6).

Abstract: A buffer transport system for staging accumulated documents produced by an input module of an inserter system. The system including a plurality of roller nips in series. Each of the roller nips are driven by an independently controllable motor in communication with a controller. The series of roller nips form stopping stations along the length of the buffer transport. Each of the stopping stations has a uniform length and is comprised of two or more of the roller nips. The roller nips in any given stopping station are electronically geared together under the control of the controller. The controller controls stopping stations to transfer accumulated documents within the stopping stations to a next downstream stopping station when it is sensed that the next downstream stopping station is open. If the next downstream station from a given station is not open, then the controller does not instructs the station to transfer documents downstream.

Abstract: A flexible buffer transport system for staging accumulated documents for transfer to a synchronous downstream transport. Control of movement of accumulations in the buffer being independent of the length of the documents. The system includes a plurality of roller nips in series. The roller nips are spaced a uniform distance apart. Each of the roller nips are driven by an independently controllable motor in communication with a controller. Position sensors also communicate with the controller. The sensors sense positions of lead and trail edges of accumulations of documents within the buffer transport system. For each sampling period in the operating cycle and for each roller nip, the controller determines motion control. First, the controller determines which nips should be slaved together based on which are needed to control a particular accumulation of documents under its control.

Abstract: A calibration apparatus for use with a storage system for storing a plurality of objects in an array of object storage locations. In a preferred embodiment, the calibration apparatus includes a target affixed in a predetermined location to the storage system, an object retrieval mechanism, and an imaging system. The object retrieval mechanism is used for retrieving objects from the object storage locations and has a principal direction of movement which is perpendicular to a plane in which an exposed surface of each of the plurality of objects lie. The imaging system is attached to the object retrieval mechanism for imaging the target. The imaging system is positioned such that the direction from the target to the imaging system is parallel to the principal direction.

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: In a method for automated placement of articles onto a support, the supports and articles are positioned on a supply belt and the supports and the articles are supplied on the supply belt to a detection device where output signals are created based on the supports and the articles passing through the detection device. The output signals are transmitted as measured data to a control unit. The supports and the articles are recognized and differentiated in the control unit based on the measured data. Subsequently, the control unit, according to predetermined criteria, controls one or more gripping devices connected to the control unit for carrying out a placement step of placing the articles on the supports.

Abstract: A media storage library using a horizontal cell array structure is provided. The library comprises an enclosure containing at least one horizontal array of storage cells and at least one picker robot that can move horizontally over the cell array by means of guide rails. Multiple horizontal cell arrays may be stacked vertically in separate rows, wherein the space between the rows is limited by the vertical height of the picker robot. The horizontal arrays may slide horizontally out of the library enclosure, creating an access pathway for human operators. In addition, multiple horizontal arrays may be arranged end to end within each row.

Abstract: In connection with a method for automatically inserting documents to be displayed on a display device and/or copied in a digitizing device, such as microfiches, microfilm jackets or the like, in which process one document at a time is transported from a stack of documents to be processed to a document support and from there to a deposit magazine for the processed documents, provision is made according to the invention that the top document of a stack of documents contained in the holding magazine is pulled up by suction to about the level of the document support and the remaining stack is subsequently retained by suction acting in the opposite direction; the document pulled up by suction is transported sideways to the document support, and deposited on said support by terminating the suction effect, and the document is then picked up by suction again after it has been processed, and is transported to the deposit magazine.

Abstract: In a computer system configuration changing system for improving the simplicity and flexibility in changing the computer system configuration to relieve the work load of an operator taking charge of changing the configuration, there are provided a configuration changing unit which receives a command for changing the configuration, that allows for incomplete/partial contents, from an operator in charge of changing the configuration, and then delivers the configuration information represented by a configuration changing command to a configuration determining unit, and the configuration determining unit which refers to a computer system configuration information database and to a component-to-component interdependency rule database to complement or render perfect the incomplete/partial configuration information received from the configuration changing unit, while referring to a component selection guideline database and to a component attribute database to cope properly and flexibly with a selection guideline to

Abstract: A circuit board manufacturing system is provided which includes a circuit board assembly line with a feeder/programming/buffer system. The feeder/programming/buffer system has a flexible feeder mechanism for receiving unprogrammed devices in a number of different manners, a programming mechanism for performing a programming operation on the unprogrammed devices at a high rate of speed, and an output buffer mechanism for providing the programmed devices to the circuit board assembly line.

Abstract: A method for enabling a printing machine having a customer billing interface to bill the customer for marking jobs having different sheet sizes includes programming different rates for different size sheets into the printing machine. With receipt of a machine enable signal from the customer billing interface, a sheet is fed and the printing machine determines the sheet size. After the printing machine performs a marking operation, the printing machine emits a signal for each sheet marked to the customer billing interface.